PS 2159 
.K87 
Copy 1 



DESDEMONA, 



Drama in Five Acts, 



BY 



VERY REV. J. J. KENNEDY, 



Rector of St. Mary's Church, 



CARROLLTON, MISSOURI. 



DESDEMONA, 



A 



Drama in Five Acts, 



PA' 



/ 

VERY REV. J. J. KENNEDY, 



Rector of St. Mary's Church, 



CARROLLTON, MISSOURI. 



1 



TWO COPIES RECEIVED. 

Library cf Corsgros^ 
Office c f Vc.% 

m 1 5 1900 

Reg!«t«r of Copyrtghife 



Copyright, 
VERY REV. J. J. KENNEDY. 

1899. 



DESDEMONA. 

Introduction. 

Desdemona was written to supply a want for an easy, legitimate 
Drama for the Amateur Societies of the Parish. The Story is founded 
on facts and told from an American Catholic standpoint. There are no 
burlesques or depraved Caricatures depicted. On the contrary, we have 
endeavored to place before your view Characters of Integ-rity possessing- 
a lofty Patriotism and g-enuine Christianity. 
Cabroli.ton. Missouri, 

Feast of St. Matthew Septe.mber 21. 1899 



DEBDEMONA. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Mr. Stephen Dawson A T>armer 

" Georg-e Sears — Mine Owner 

Count LaFar A French Count 

" Mr. Andrew Ready A Farmer 

Pref. Barret Professor of Music 

" Syl Blake Real Estate Man 

Sir Albert Murdoch Eng-lish Lord 

" Tom Moore A Mining Clerk 

' • Andrew Giles Dealer in Mining Stocks 

•• Jack Deluerty ■ Foreman of Mine 

Father Austin Rector of St. Paul's 

" Jasper Negro Servant 

Master Raymond Barret Son of Prof. Barret 

Dr. Gross Physician 

" Perkins Mine Owner 

Sergeant Proctor Soldier 

Mrs. Julia Dawson Wife of Stephen Dawson 

Miss Desdemona Dawson Daughter of Mr. Dawson 

Mrs. Mona Barret. Wife of Prof. Barret 

Miss Celia Barret Sister of Prof. Barret 

Miss Agnes Barret Daughter of Prof. Barret 

Sister Clare Hospital Nurse 



DESDEMONA --A Drama in Five Acts. 

Act I. — SCENE i. 

Prof. Barrefs house, Folger street, Carrollton, Mo. Prof. Bar- 
ret and Miss Celia Barret, his sister — Miss Barret is singing— the 
professor is looking over some music — Bell rings — Miss Celia goes to 
the door. 

Celia Barret. Why, George Sears, I am so glad to see 
you. Welcome, Cousin George. 

Prof. Barret. How do you do, my young friend! 

George Sears. I am well, I thank you. 

Prof. Barret. Be seated, George. When did you arrive 
from Old Kentucky.'' 

George Sears. I came last night on the "Q" road about 
6:40 and was so tired after supper at the Florence that I 
went immediately to bed. 

Celia Barret. You look so well, George, but I am sur- 
prised that you came that round about way of the "Q" 
road. I should much prefer to come on the Wabash, the 
"Old Reliable" road, from St. Louis. 

Sears. Pardon me. Miss Celia, but I was obliged to 
come over the "Q" or remain in St. Louis till evening and 
then take the night train over the Wabash, and not get here 
till this morning. 

Mr. Barret. Well, it would be even better than to travel 
over the rough "Q" road. 

Sears. Yes, I grant you all that, but I cannot sleep on 
the cars at night, and moreover wanted to get here as soon 
as possible. 

Miss Celia. I am sure we are delighted that you had no 
accident and reached Carrollton Heights aL right. By the 
way, how is your mother and all the folks.^ Is Miss Betty 
going to school yet.' 

Sears. Yes, mother is very well, indeed; she looks as 
young and hearty as when you saw her four years ago. As 
for Betty she has grown up a young lady. She will soon be 
seventeen. She attends school at Nazareth Academy; 
mother thinks she will become a Nun. 



Celia Barret. What do you think of that, Mr. Sears.^ 
Have you any objection to your sister becoming a Nun.*' 

Sears. I should not oppose any serious objection, though 
I confess I should prefer that she remain in the world and 
form an alliance with some honorable gentleman. How- 
ever, Celia, I believe that Almighty God has allotted a par- 
ticular path for us to follow here on earth. 

Celia Barret. I shouldn't like to be a Nun and spend all 
my days praying and teaching. 

Mr. Barret. No danger of you being a Nun. You would 
rather be somebody's sister. Pardon me, Cousin George, 
but you have not left Kentucky for good.-* 

Sears. No, not at all, but mother and friends having 
counseled about me, came to the conclusion that whilst I 
had not yet got into the swing I had best go West and try 
my fortune. 

[Mrs. Mona Barret enters.] 

Mrs. Mona. Well, well, George Sears, I am so glad to 
see you! Welcome to Carrollton. How are all the folks at 
home.-" 

George Sears. They are all well and send you their 
kindest regards. 

Mrs. Mona. My! George, how you have grown since we 
saw you last, four years ago! 

Sears. Yes, Mrs. Barret, I have grown considerably, but 
it is only since I left college that I have developed into a 
man. 

Mr. Barret. Where did you finish you course, George.-* 

Sears: 1 finished my course at Louisville two years ago. 
Here is my graduation medal. (All look at it and declare: 
It is fine, indeed, and you should be proud of it.) 

George Sears. Indeed, I am thankful to God for the abil- 
ity to graduate — moreover I shall hold this medal in dear 
remembrance of my Alma Mater. Mr. Barret, how are the 
children."* 

Mr. Barret. Raymond and Agnes are both well. Mona; 
tell the children to come in. 

(Exit Mona.) 



Miss Celia. Weil, weil, Cousin George, your coming is 
quite a surprise to us all. 

[Enter Mona and the children.] 

Mona. Mr. Sears, allow me to present our children. 
This is Raymond, and this is our Agnes. We are proud of 
them and they are dear good children. 

Sears. I am glad to see you, children (taking Agnes on 
his lap). Agnes, you no doubt can play; if you and Ray- 
mond will play for me I shall send you a Christmas present 
from the Rocky Mountains. 

Agnes. Will you send us a bear.-* 

Raymond. I would like an eagle or a bufifalo. 

Barret. Why, children, those would be rather wild pets. 
Tell Mr. Sears to send you whatever he thinks best. 

Agnes and Raymond: Mr. Sears, do please send us 
what you think best and we will be glad. 

Mona. Children, you may be sure that Cousin George 
will send you presents that will be useful. 

Sears. Yes, children, I shall try and select something 
good for you. Mr. Barret, do you remember when we vis- 
ited the Mammoth Cave together.^ 

Mona. What did you do, George, with the specimens 
you gathered. 

Sears: i gave most of them to the college at Louisville 
for the museum. Mother has the rest. Well, Mr. Barret, 
you are still teaching music. 

Barret. Yes, George, Celia and myself have a good class 
besides I lead the orchestra at the opera. We have invested 
some in Railroad Stocks and hope some day to go to Eu- 
rope and endeavor to get on the top round of the musical 
ladder. 

Mona. Mr. Sears, now the children wish to play for you. 

Sears. Yes, I shall be very glad. 

Agnes and Raymond, We'll do the best we can. (They 
play.) 

Sears, Now, dear friends, I have had a splendid time 
and am glad to be with you, but I must be going. 

Mr. Barret, Mona and Celia. Where are you going, 
George.'' 



Agnes and Raymond: Cousin George, do stay with us. 

Sears. Yes, dearest, I love you all and prefer to stay 
with you, But you know I came unannounced and there 
are two gentlemen at the Florence Hotel whom I wish to 
consult on some matters. 

Barret. Beware, George, and consider well whom you 
talk to about your business affairs. You know you are en- 
tirely welcome and 1 hope you will consider our house your 
home whilst you are in the city. 

Sear.«. Yes, Mr. Barrtt, 1 shall, but must get all the in- 
formation I can about the Rockies. There are two gentle- 
men, Drummers, I believe, at the hotel that have been all 
through the mountains and have had some years of experi- 
ence. I want their knowledge and will tarry at the hotel 
only a day or two. Then I shall return and be at home 
with you. 

Mona and Celia. I trust that you will. Take care of 
yourself and come up as soon as possible. 

Prof. Barret. By the way, George, we are to spend the 
day in the country to-morrow. I do wish you would go. 
We'll just have a picnic at Dawson's. I know you will 
enjoy the company of Desdemona. 

Mona and Celia. Yes, by all means come. 

Barret. We'll call at Hotel at 9:30. 

Sears. Business before pleasure. However, I promise 
to go if possible. Good night. All, good night. 

(Exit George Sears.) 

Act I. — SCENE 2. 

Dawson^ s house- — Tress — Croquet grounds. Syl Blake, Prof. 
Barret, Mona and Celia Barret are discovered playing croquet. The 
childrefi romp about the grounds and play in the hammock. Mrs. 
Dawson sitting enjoys the game and the company of the children. 

Celia Barret. Mr. Blake, it is your shot now. Strike the 
professor's ball if possible. (He strikes and misses.) 

Mona. It's my turn next. Celia, I'll hit your ball; there 
I did it. 

Mr. Barret. I am for the stake — being a rover I'll help 
my partner. 



[Enter George Sears and Miss Desdemona Dawson.] 

Desdemona. Why, Prof. Barret, you and Mona are ahead. 

Syl Blake. I haven't played for a year 

Desdemona. It's your turn, now shoot to your partner. 

(They play on.) 

Desdemona and Mr. Sears walk over and sit in the ham- 
mock. 

Desdemona. Well, Mr. Sears, what do you think of Mis- 
souri.-* 

Sears. Well, I of course think there is no place like home 
However much I admire our Kentucky home I will say that 
Missouri, as far as I have seen it, is very beautiful. 

Desdemona, Yes, Missouri is a g-reat State and has within 
its boundaries all, or almost all the productions of Nature. 

Sears. I have no doubt but that Missouri is great Com- 
monwealth. 

Desdemona. Indeed, I think that if our State would be 
walled in it could get along without the rest of the world. 

Sears. Yes, I do believe that if Kentucky was walled in 
with Missouri they would most assuredly get along. 

Desdemona. Mr. Sears, what do you mean.^ 

Sears. I verily believe that Missouri is a good State to 
live in. 

Desdemona. I am glad that you have a good opinion of 
our State. 

George Sears. Yes, indeed I have and I have great faith 
in the United States. Though a Southerner by birth and 
education I have learned to love our neighbors of the North. 

Desdemona. Indeed, I am glad to hear it. 

(Farm bell rings.) 

George Sears. What is that bell, Miss Dawson.^ 

Desdemona. It calls the workmen to dinner. (Both arise 
and walk about the grounds. The croquet game is over.) 

Mr. Dawson and hands come in from the fields. 

Desdemona. Mr, Sears, this is father. Father, Mr. 
Sears from Kentucky. 

Dawson. Glad to see you, young man. 

Barret. How are you to-day, Mr. Dawson.^ 



Dawson. I am well, I thank you. 

Mona. Why, Mr. Dawson, what is that you have in your 
left hand.' 

Dawson. It is only a young rattler that I killed out in the 
field. 

CeHa. A snake! Children, come and see the snake. 

Dawson. (Holds it up to view, and hangs it on a tree and 
says;) Children, come to me and shake hands. That snake 
is dead and cannot hurt you. ; 

' Agnes and Raymond. We are so glad, Mr. Dawson, it is 
dead. 

Dawson. Come, now, folks, we must all have something 
to eat. 

Desdemona. Yes, we shall. (Exit Dawson into house.) 
' [Jasper arranges tables on the lawn and all sit down.] 

Barret. Who can tell the best business in life.' 

Celia Barret. I can. To be a United States Senator. 

iSyl Blake. I think a baker is the best off. 
: George Sears. I am of opinion that farming is the noblest 
occupation of man. 

Desdemona, Are you a farmer.' 

Sears. No, Miss Dawson, I am not, though I was reared 
on the farm. 

Desdemona. Excuse me, sir, but do you intend to follow 
farming as a business.' 

George Sears. Not at all, Miss Dawson; but from observ- 
ation and experience I can safely say that the farm is the 
best home and occupation for man. 

Prof. Barret. Why do you consider it so.' 

George Sears. I am convinced of the fact for many reas- 
ons. In the first place there is moi:e pure air in the country. 
Then it is a better place to develop both mind and body than 
in the city's throng. Again, there is better company in the 
country; the trees, plants and flowers and the birds of the air 
speak to us continually of the Omnipotence of God. Man, 
moreover, is more sure of a permanency in the country be- 
cause his capital, the soil, cannot be destroyed. 

Desdemona. Then, I presume, that you have come from 



Kentucky to select a farm in Missouri? 

George Sears. No, Miss Dawson, I have no taste for the 
soil, and will not engage in farming. I like geology very 
much and particularly am fond of minerology. In fact, I am 
a bimetallist and will strike the mountains for my fortune. 

Desdemona. Indeed! Are you going West very soon? 

Georgx^ Sears. Yes, Miss Dawson, I intend leaving for the 
mountains in a few days. 

Desdemona. Where do you intend to cast your lot? 

George Sears. Indeed I cannot say now. 

Mrs. Dawson. Well, Mr. Sears, we would like to hear 
from you and wish )'ou prosperity in your new business. 

George Sears. Thank you! Thank you! I of course will 
write to my friends. 

Desdemona. May we consider ourselves among the number? 

George Sears. Certainly, Miss Dawson; and I may be able 
to gather a few specimens of ore and curios for your cabinet. 

Desdemona. I thank you very much. 

[Enter Mr. Dawson and Andrew Ready, a neighbor.] 

Mr. Dawson, Well, folks, here is Mr. Ready, a good 
friend of mine and a capital story teller. 

Prof, Barret. This is a very warm summer, Mr. Ready. 

Andrew Ready. Indade it is barren for those who can al- 
ways stay in the shade. 

Desdemona. Mr. Ready, this is Mr. Sears, a young gentle- 
man from Kentucky. Mr. Sears, Mr. Ready. 

Andrew Ready. Ah, indeed! I am glad to mate you, Mr. 
Sears. 

George Sears. Excuse me, sir, but I am not ready to be 
mated yet a while! 

Andrew Ready. I meant no offense, young man, but in 
Ould Ireland we pronunce the vowels longer than here. I 
suppose you would say meet, sir? 

George Sears. Yes, sir. 

Andrew Ready. Well, then I suppose that you'll be a 
mating some time or other, and sure it's no harum to wish you ' 
a good partner for life. 

George Sears. No, indeed, Mr. Ready. 



Mrs. Dawson. Folks, sit down. (All sit down.) 

(Jasper arranges the seats for them and gets food.) 

George Sears. I suppose, Mr. Ready, that there is a great 
contrast between Ireland and America.' 

Andrew Ready. Yes, sir; there's a great differenc entirely 
between Ireland and America. Ireland is a very beautiful 
country, but she is down-trodden in every way be the Laws 
and Landlords. America is God's own country, where the 
great Flag of the Republic grants Civil and Religious Liberty 
to all its citizens who honor it and behave themselves rightly. 

Mr. Dawson. What is that you say, Mr. Ready.'' 

Andrew Ready. Begora, I think that yourself ought to go 
to the United States Congress. 

Mr. Dawson, Why so, Mr. Ready.-^ 

Andrew Ready. Bekase you have such sperit of Liberty 
about you. And there's too many liars and bad eggs clog- 
ging the wheels of Justice the world over! 

Mr. Dawson. Now, Mr. Ready, I expect that you would 
want a favor if I were in Congress. 

Ready. Yes, I want a great favor, and that's that you'd 
niver consent to an alliance with Johnny Ball. 

Dawson. Why so, Mr. Ready.' 

Andrew Ready. God betwain us and harum. Don't you 
know we had to whip England before and the many fights 
and privations we had before we gained the Battle of Inde- 
pendence.' 

George Sears. True for you, Mr. Ready, but surely you 
were not in the battle.' 

Andrew Ready. I was not, but I suppose that apart of 
me heart was there. 

Dawson. How do you explain that, Mr. Ready, since 
you were not born then.' 

Andrew Ready. Well, no; but me Grand Uncle — God 
rise his soul — was in that battle from first to last. 

George Sears. But, Mr. Ready, you had no part in it.' 

Andrew Ready. Young man, if we all look behind us 
and see the material we are made of, sure! it's no lie for me 
to say that me heart — a good piece of it— was in the Battle 



lO 

of Independence, bekase me Grand Uncle was there. 

Dawson. Ha! ha! That's too thin, Ready. 

Ready. Excuse me, av you plase, but I think it was very 
thick — I came from me Grand Uncle, and that settles it. 

Dawson. Say, Ready, what's that you told me once 
about the Priest and the Red Coat.'' 

Andrew Ready. Faix, I'll tell yees. It was this wise: 
A clergyman was going the way for himself upon a foine 
young steed; he met an officer who stopped him. Says the 
officer to him; It is very quare entirely that you, a Clergy- 
man, and very inconsfstent that you should be riding such a 
foine horse. Why so, says the Priest; who has a better 
right to ride a good horse than meself? Arra, then, says 
the officer, do you belave in the Scriptures.' To be sure I 
do, said the Priest. Well, says the officer, we read in the 
Bible that Christ and his Apostles rode upon asses. Yes, 
indade, you are right, says the Priest, but a big change has 
taken place since then. What's that, says the officer.'' I'll 
tell you, says the Priest, of iate years the Clergy cannot get 
asses to ride upon bekase the Gevirment is making officers 
out of all the asses. The officer immediately left and didn't 
bother the priest any more. 

(All laugh ha! ha! ha!) 

Dawson. Jasper, come here and sing and dance a little 
for our friends. 

Jasper. Yes, massa, I'll do the best I can if dey won't 
laugh at me. (Jasper sings and dances.) 

Prof. Barret. Well, Mr. Dawson, we have had a nice 
time and thank you very much. 

George Sears. Yes, we must be going now. 

Desdemona. I am sorry that you are leaving us so soon. 

George Sears. Good bye, Mr. and Mrs. Dawson; good 
bye, Mr, Ready; good bye. Miss Dawson. We have had a 
pleasant time and it is with reluctance that I say farewell to 
you and the great State of Missouri. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dawson and Desdemona. Good bye. 

Jasper, Good bye, folks, I wish you all good luck. 

Curtain. 



1 1 

Act II. — Scene i. 
Mining Camp — George Sears met by the meti on his way to the 
Camp — TJiey demand more wages or threaten to quit his employ. 

Sears (to men). Jack Deluerty, where are you and the 
men going from the mine.'' 

Deluerty. We thought of giving up Elkhorn for good. 

Sears. What! You are not going to desert me like that.'' 

Deluerty. We thought of that. 

Sears. Why.^ 

Deleurty. Simply because there is nothing in it for you 
and the men. 

Sears. How so! Do you not get your wages.' 

Deluerty. To be sure we do. But what will that amount 
to when you become swamped.'' 

Sears. Jack, that's a concern of mine, and as long as 
you get your wages and fair treatment I beg of you and 
the men to return to work. 

Deluerty (to men). He is a white man and treats us 
right. What say you.'' Let's go back to work. 

All. So we will; so we will! 

Sears. What is my small capital without the help of the 
brawny muscles of the miners.'' Patience and perseverance, 
I hope with God's help and the men's toil to establish a 
better name for the Elkhorn. 

[Goes into office. Time keeper, Tom Moore, arranging hre.] 

Sears. I see, Tom, that you have a good fire; It will 
help to cheer us up this frosty morning. 

Tom Moore. Yes, Mr. Sears; but what do you think of 
the men quitting work.-' They all took their tools and left. 

Sears (takinig off his coat and hanging it on wall) Yes, I 
met Deluerty and the men out there. But they have re- 
turned to work and are in the shaft by this time. 
[Noise abroad.] 

Tom. Yes, I hear them going down the shaft. You 
seem to be troubled, Mr. Sears.'' 

Sears. I cannot well divine that yet. Jack said they 
were afraid the mine would not pan out, and I suppose he 
thought they might get left. 



12 . 

Tom. How is that? 

Sears. WeU, they thought that I might not be able to 
pay them. 

Tom, That would be a bad thing, Mr. Sears. 

Sears. Yes, indeed it would. Say, Tom, do you remem- 
ber what the ore assays now.'' 

Tom. I believe that it assays forty-five dollars to the ton. 

Sears. I don't believe it assays quite that much. Get out 
the chart, please, while I read my mail, (Reads letters, 
examines papers, etc. Tom Moore takes the chart from 
drawer and hangs it on the wall.) 

Tom. I will go out to the shaft and take the men's time 
now. "^ 

Sears, All right, Toiu. [Exit Tom carrying time book. 
After reading mail Mr. Sears examines the chart showing 
the various stratas and the registered amount assayed every 
twenty-five feet.] 

Sears. The Elkhorn will be all right yet. 

[Deluerty enters ofiice, followed by Tom Moore.] 

Deluerty. What are we to do with that pump.'' 

Sears. What pump.' 

Deluerty. The Buckeye pump. It seems not to be able 
to do the work and the men are in the water, almost to their 
knees and cannot stand it. 

Sears. I don't want them to stand it. During the first 
strike I had the other pump repaired and it is all right. Tell 
the new engineer to hitch on to the Clevinger. 

Deluerty. Indeed, I will, but it's better for yourself to 
give me a note to that effect; it will save a few curses. 

Sears. Does Mesick swear.-* Tell me, Deluerty. 

Deluerty. Never mind. Sears. We have the best engin- 
eer in the mountains, and when he'll tackle on to the Clev- 
inger we will have the best pump in the Rockies. I wish I 
could say the same ot the mine. 

Sears. Now, what is the matter with the mine? I wish 
you wouldn't be throwing cold water on our pet like that. 

Deluerty. By faykes! we need not do that, she has 
plenty of water and to spare. I believe the fresh mountain 



13 

water would be more profitable than all the ore you'd get 
out of her. If you could only run the water into St. Louis 
it would be such a delicacy over the Big Muddy that the 
silk stocking folks would give you a fortune for it. 

Sears. Deluerty, come here. (Deluerty arises and goes 
to high desk, where Sears is standing.) Say, what will you 
take to keep your mouth shut.-" 

Deluerty. (in astonishment looks at him and says:) Why, 
man alive; you can't stop my mouth, or any other man's. 

Sears. You don't quite understand me. You wouldn't 
like men to go about saying that your friend was a bad man, 
would you.'' ^ 

Deluerty. No, indeed; I wouldn't. 

Sears. Now, understand once for all that it is very un- 
pleasant for me to hear the Elkhorn spoken ill of, and that 
by my own men. 

Deluerty. Begora, I don't blame you. She is your prop- 
erty. 

Sears. Yes, and further more she has a good reputation 
on the market. 

Deluerty. She has! has she.-' 

Sears. I am well pleased with the Elkhorn — what need 
any one else care.-" 

Deluerty. That's your business to be sure, but pardon 
me if I doubt in her stability. 

Sears. You are my foreman and upon you I rely for my 
success. 

Deluerty. Faith I can't help the mine if she plays out or 
blows up. Do you understand.-* 

Sears. I understand very well. But listen. My capital 
is invested in that slice of the mountain, and if you talk 
about her and belittle her to every one you meet she may 
lose her reputation — go down in the market and ruin me 
forever. 

Deluerty. God forbid that we should be the cause of that. 

Sears. Stop talking about my Elkhoru then. I tell you 
what I am determined to do 

Deleurty. Whatever it is we'll carry it out if we can. 

Sears. I will raise your wages from one hundred to one 



H 

hundred and fifty dollars per month, and I'll raise the men's 
wages 20 per cent. What do you think of that? 

Deluerty. That's \'ery good, if you can keep it up. 

Sears. Then I will have an order posted up forbidding 
gambling on or off. duty — under penalty of being discharged 
forthwith. Foreman, I wish you to aid me to carry this out. 

Deluerty. I'll do it to the best of my ability. 

[Puts up order on wall.] 

Deluerty, It's dinner time now. 

[Sears goes to Hotel for dinner, the foreman and time- 
keeper eat in the of^ce.] 



OFFICE. 



GRIEVANCES. 





Elkhorn 


Mine 




Order No 3. 


Assay for Strata. 


All Grievances 
must be settled at 
the office. 
No gambling 
allowed, on or off 
duty. 
By order of 
Superintendent 
Deluerty. 





























Tom Moore. Say, Deluerty, you have a mountain on 
your hands, haven't you.'' 

Deluerty. What do you mean, Tom.^ 

Tom. I mean what I say, that the mine is a mountain on 
your hands. 

Deluerty. Not at all, Tom. You are mistaken. The 
mine is no mountain upon me nor upon anybody else. 

Tom. Oh, I mean to say that it is a great bother and 
worry to keep things in good running order. 

Deluerty. Oh, there is nothing in this world without 
some bother. Things cannot rnn smooth all the time. 



15 

Tom. Why not?. 

Deluerty. Well, I'll tell you, young man. Suppose 
there is a railroad — the best in the world — with steel rails, 
good oak ties and No. i ballast. The cars are finely made 
and finished for comfort and ease. The ofificers and men 
from the section hands up to the Superintendent and Presi- 
dent, are all well balanced and experienced men. Suppose 
Jack Lowney, one of the best engineers that ever pulled the 
throttle, ran the express on that road; mind you, before 
Jack goes out he always examines his pet, the engine, and 
only when all is right will he consent to pull the throttle. 
Now, after all this care and painstaking. Jack had once a ter- 
rible accident befall his train. As he was nearing Boston, 
coming around a curve, three cars were ditched and fifteen 
people killed, besides many wounded, and Jack had his leg 
broken. 

Tom. What was the cause of the accident.'' 

Deluert)'. It was caused by the breaking of aq axle of 
one of the coaches. Moreover, when the axle was exam- 
ined it was discovered that within the center of the axle 
there was a vacuum that could not be discovered before and 
this rendered the axle weak, and when the strain of the 
curves came upon it a crash was the result. Here was an 
unavoidable accident for which no one was to blame. 

Tom, That's singular, 

Deluerty! Not at all, young man. This may happen 
every day, especially when we have men to deal' with who 
have vacuums in their heads. 

Tom. I believe you are right. 

Deleurty. I am an old chap and have seen a thing or too. 
Let me tell you, when you have educated men to deal with 
— men who understand their business, especially when the 
right men are in the right place- — everything moves along 
smoothly. 

Tom. I believe you hit the nail on the head, old boy. 

Deluerty. Yes, but when you have canary birds for men 
and superintendents something, yes, everything, goes wrong. 

[George Sears enters.] 

Sears. Deluerty, be sure and keep your eye occasionally 



i6 

on the engineer. He is a f^ood old man and tender hearted; 
but a nap may come over him. See that the mine is dry, 
perfectly dry, so that the miners may do justice to them- 
selves and the work. 

Deluerty. I shall attend to it. 

Sears. After quitting time have the blacksmith overhaul 
the hoisting apparatus. 

Deluerty. Please give me an order for the smith and I'll 
see that he does it. 

[George Sears writes the order and gives it to the fore- 
man.] (Exit Deluerty.) 

Sears. Tom, take these letters to the postofifice and 
bring me the mail. [Exit Tom Moore.] 

Act II. — Scene 2. 

Mining camp, concluded — George Sears Jills his pipe and smokes — 
Enter Mr. Gills, mining-stocks dealer. 

Sears, Come in, Mr. Giles; take a seat. (Giles sits down.) 

Mr. Giles. Mr. Sears, I didn't think that you smoked. 

Sears. It is seldom that I smoke, but I have a severe 
cold, and smoke to warm myself. 

Giles. Queen Ann and whisky is the compound for a cold. 

Sears. I never indulge in either because they make my 
head swim. 

Giles. You are hoarse and should take something. 

Sears. I believe I'll drop down and see the doctor. 

Giles. By the way, how is the Elkhorn.-' 

Sears. Very well, very well, indeed. 

Giles. I understand that you have raised the men's 
wages, and of course this means a streak of luck and new 
finds. 

Sears'. We have been doing as well as could be expected. 
Since our new machinery has been placed and a good, sober 
industrious set of hands employed we are going down and 
into the mountain further. 

Giles. I suppose that you will strike it rich then.-" 

Sears. I cannot say, but hope to. At any rate we ex- 
pect to turn out more of the yellow metal and have a better 
lode. 



17 

Giles, I am pleased to inform you that the Elkhorn has 
gone up in the market. Her quotations to-day are greater 
than they have ever been. 

Sears. I am glad of that, and shall always endeavor to 
keep her reputation good before the world. If money and 
work will develop her stores we shall bestow it upon her. 

Giles. That's right, young man, she is your property, and 
your efforts to deveiop her is praiseworthy. 

Sears. I thank you, Mr. Giles, for the compliment. 

Giles. Mr. Sears, as I am in the business of mining 
stocks. I thought that i would drop over to tell you that I 
have an Eastern customer, who desires to buy your property. 

Sears. What! buy the Elkhorn! 

Giles. Yes. He offers $300,000.00. Will you take it.^ 

Sears. I did not buy to sell and think if there be much 
of the yellow metal below I might as well have it as anyone. 

Giles. True for you, Mr. Sears; but shold it not pan out 
as you expect it, the Elkhorn stocks would go down and 
you'd be a ruined man. 

Sears. I must take my chances as to that. 

Giles. You may do as you please, Mr. Sears. 
I presume that I can buy other Cripple Creek 
mines for my Eastern customer. However, I should like to 
see you do well and would pity you if the mine would prove 
a failure. 

Sears. I thank you, Mr. Giles, for your interest in my 
behalf. My all is in this mine, and I could not afford a fail- 
ure very well. Say, Giles, with your years of experience, 
what would you do if you were in my place.-* 

Giles. With my experience and I the owner of Elkhorn, 
and with rather limited means I should do like the man who 
was offered a good price for his race horse. Sell the horse 
before the race came off. 

Sears. Hang it, Mr. Giles, the mine is doing very well, 
and I hate to give up my pet. As cash down, however, is a 
surer thing I tell you what I will do; make the price $450,- 
000.00 and we'll call it a deal. 

Giles. I cannot give that amount, but will wire my cor- 
respondent that the mine is doing very well and the owner 



will not take less than $450,000.00 for the Elkhorn. 

Sears. All right, Mr. Giles. 

Giles. Good day. [Exit Giles.] 

Tom. Mr. Sears, the pay roll is made out and the men 
will be here soon for their pay. 

Sears. I will pay at the shaft to-day; take your book 
along and I will give the men their checks as they come up, 

[Exit Sears and Tom.] 

(View them at shaft. Book-keeper reads 



Jack Billings, 
Chris Stein, 
Frank Dillon, 
John White, 
Fred Burrell, 
Harry Crane, 
William Long, 
Frank O'Brien, 
George Little, 
Jim Sanders, 
Charles Dacy, 
Deluerty, 
Tom Moore. 



Take only 2 or 3 men 
come up from below 



$24, Sears gives check. 

18, 
24, 
24, 
26, 
26, 
26, 
26, 
24, 
24. 
24, 

37.50, 

25. " " ") 

Sears. Dacey, what have you in that bucket.' 
Dacey. I have some choice ore, which the foreman bade 
me bring up for your inspection. 

Sears. Deluerty, take the ore to the office; I'll be there 
directly. Here is the key to the office. 
[Talks to book-keeper. Scene closes.] 

Deluerty goes to offiee and meets Giles^ Uuloeks door and (^ves in. 
Giles. Where is Mr. Sears.' 

Deluerty. Sit down, Mr. Giles; he will be here directly. 
[Deluerty arranges the ore in silence.] 
(Enter Sears and the book-keeper.) 
Sears. Well, Mr. Giles, this is a cheerful day. 
Giles. Yes, it is. It seems to be pay day, and I presume 
that it is cheerful for the men.-* 

Sears. Yes, indeed it is; and they deserve all they o-et. 
Giles, I understand that you pay the highest wages of 



19 

all the diggins. 

Sears. I don't know as to that, but I pay the men what 
I think proper recompense for their labor. 

Giles. That's right, Mr. Sears. 

Sears. Then we have such good, sober, industrious men; 
and they steal no ore. 
• Giles. I am glad to hear that. 

Sears. I expect that I have two or three thousand dol- 
lars' worth of fine ore specimens picked up by the men and 
brought to me. 

Giles. That argues well for the men's honesty. By the 
way. Sears, I have good news from the East. 

Seare. Mr. Giles, just look at this rich specimen sent up 
from the mine this morning. 

Giles. Ah! indeed! (takes the specimen.) It is very 
beautiful. What will you take for this.-* 

Sears. If you are making a collection, take it along. 

Giles. Whenever, I can get a nice specimen, I take it to 
Denver to my wife; she has a nice cabinet, 1 shall accept 
it, and label it from Elkhorn, Cripple Creek. I thank you, 
Mr. Sears. 

Sears. That's all right. 

Giles. I have had advices by telegram about that deal 
we were talking about. 

Sears. Well, what news have you.'' 

Giles". I am empowered to give you for the Elkhorn the 
nice sum of ^420,000.00. 

Sears. I thank you, Mr. Giles, but cannot part with my 
pet for that amount. 

Giles. Have you considered the matter well, young man.'' 

Sears. Yes, I thought over it some, and was sorry that I 
had offered it for 1450,000.00. 

Giles. (Jumps up and walks about the room.) Upon my 
word, Mr. Sears, I want to do justice for my correspondents 
as well as for you. However, if >-ou have capital enough 
can see your way through and can stand a failure, should it 
come, it is for you to say. 

Sears. I vvmII not back down from the price I made you, 
but certainly will not take a copper less. 



20 

Giles Well, Sears, put it there. You are a man of your 
word. I will take it at $450,000 and close the deal. Here 
is my certified check for $10,000, the balance I'll pay you 
to-morrow at the bank. 

Sears. Just as you say, Giles. 

Giles. Well, all right, Mr. Sears^. You will continue in 
charge of the Elkhorn till the first of the month and have 
all the output for your trouble. 

Sears. I'll do so with the greatest of pleasure. 

Giles. Moreover, say nothing about the deal till I make 
it public in the papers. 

Sears. Well, I shall keep mum about the matter and go 
along as though nothing transpired. 

Giles. Now, Mr. S'ears, I think that I have done well for 
my correspondents in the Kast and I am firmly convinced 
too that the sale is the best thing for you and hope that you 
are perfectly satisfied and that success may surround your 
pathway through life. 

Sears. Thank you! Thank you, Mr. Giles. 

\_Ci/rt(un.'\ 

Act II. — Scene 3. 

Mount Calmc Hospital — Mew of the sick — Mr. Perkins tvith I>rok- 
en leg — Sergt. Procter^ a sick soldier — Geo. Sears has pneumonia. 

Sister Clare. (Placing a bandage on the soldier's head.) 
Have good courage and you will get over this. 

Sergeant. Do you think so.'' Tell me. Sister, will I get 
entirely well.'' 

Sister. Certainly. But you must have patience and 
courage. 

Sergeant. I am glad. I'll try. (Knock is heard at the 
door.) (The Sister opens the door.) (The Doctor comes in.) 

Dr. Gross. Good morning. Sister. 

Sister. Good morning, Doctor. 

Dr. Gross. How are the patients to-day.-* 

Sister. They are as well as could be expected. Doctor. 
All are improving. 

Dr. Gross. How is our man with the broken limb.' 



21 

Sister. He is getting on well, but perhaps he took a lit- 
tle too much exercise yesterday. 

Doctor. Has Mr. Sears sat up any to-day.' 

Sister. No, Doctor. He seems a little despondent to- 
day. 

Doctor. What is the cause of his despondency.'' 

Sister. I cannot say. Doctor. 

Doctor. I hope he is not getting a relapse. 

Sister. I think his business affairs trouble him. 

Doctor. Has he had any visitors.-' 

Sister. Only a few. 

Doctor. Maybe he has talked too much or read too much. 

Sister. He has read nothing but some letters, and he has 
talked but little. (They enter sick room.) 

Sister. Mr. Perkins, here is the doctor. 

Perkins. I am glad you have come. I had a little fever 
and pain in my limb last night. (Exit Sister.) 

Doctor. What is the feeling there now.'' 

Perkins. It is quiet to-day, but I haven't walked any 
yet. I am a little afraid to. 

Doctor. Yes, you had better be a little shy of walking 
much for a few days. 

Doctor. Did you walk some yesterday.' 

Perkins. Yes, I went out on the porch — in the yard and 
about the place. 

Doctor. What did your nurse say about it.' 

Perkins. She told me that i was doing too much; but 
the day was beautiful and it was new life for me to get 
about. (Sister returns.) 

Doctor. Let me examine your limb. (Examines.) It is 
all right — only the exercise was too much yesterday. Be 
careful to-day and don't go out any. 

(Sears is propped up in bed.) 

Doctor. Good morning, Mr. Sears. 

Sears. Good morning, Doctor. 

Doctor. How are you feeling.' 

Sears. Pretty well, Doctor. 

Doctor. (Feels pulse and looks at watch.) Your pulse is 
good. Places smaK thermometer in mouth. Doctor in 



22 

meantime reads his notes, takes out thermometer and marks 
temperature in book.) Do you feel as well as you did yes- 
terday morning? 

Sears. I am not so well. 

Doctor. Did you take medicine regularly.'' 

Sears. I did, Doctor. 

Doctor. Sister, did he take much nourishmedt yesterday.'* 

Sister. He only took his beef tea a few times. 

Doctor. Sister, Mr. Sears is on the road to health, but 
I'd like to account for this little change. 

Sister. I don't know why he should be weaker. 

Doctor. You did not attempt to sit up yesterday, did 



you 



Sears. No, Doctor, I did not. 

Doctor. I am confident that something must have caused 
you pain. Now please tell me, Mr. Sears, what you believe 
to be the matter. As I am treating you I think it necessary 
for me to know. 

Sears. I received rather painful news yesterday. 

Doctor. Was it the death of a friend.'' 

Sears. No! not exactly, doctor. 

Doctor. Well, then, you should not trouble yourself nor 
perniit any sadness to come over you. 

Sears. I know that but could not help it. 

Doctor. It might aggravate your sickness. Moreover, 
you are a Christian and know as well as I can tell you, Mr 
Sears, that everyone has crosses to bear in this world. 

Sears. Yes, that's so. Doctor. 

Doctor. Your present necessity of getting well should 
be paramount in your mind. Please try and be cheerfulto- 
day. 

Sears. I will try. Doctor. 

Doctor. (Writes prescription and gives it to the sister.) 
Have him take this every three hours and read some good 
book to him. 

Sister. I will. Doctor. 

Doctor. Take your medicine and be cheerful, Mr. Sears. 
Good bye. 

(Doctor visits soldier.) 



Doctor. Well, Sergeant, how do you feel this morning? 

Sergt. Morris. I feel pretty well now, but I had a hard 
time of it last night. 

Doctor. What was the trouble? 

Sergeant. I had quite a battle such as I never had before 
in my life. 

Doctor. Indeed! I presume that you must have been 
dreaming. 

Sister. The night watch said that the Sergeant was talk- 
ing vigorously in his sleep. 

Doctor. You don't say? Well, Sergeant, what was the 
battle you were fighting? 

Sergeant. I thought that I was in the midst of the fray 
in Manila Bay and a shell exploded in our midst, taking the 
top of my head off. 

Doctor. That was rather severe. 

Sergeant. I think that the medicine must have caused 
this terrific battle. 

Doctor. Yes, I presume that was the cause but you feel 
much better to-day. How is your head? 

Sergeant. Clear as a whistle, thank the Lord. 

Doctor. The amunition we gave him. Sister, put the en- 
emy to flight. 

Sister. It was the proper thing. Doctor. 

Doctor. To be sure it was. 

Sergeant. I am satisfied with the result. 

Doctor. (Feels pulse, looks at patient's tongue and 
writes prescription.) Some light nutritious food and a quiet 
rest with little medicine will set you all right in a few days. 

Sergeant. I thank you. Doctor 

Doctor. After noon, Sergeant, I would advise a little 
nap and afterwards if you feel like it read a pleasant story. 
Sister Clare will get you a book from the library. 

Sergeant. That's just what I would like. 

Doctor. I think the war is over now and you'll have no 
more battles. Good morning. Sergeant. Good morning 
Sister. 

Sister. Good morning. Doctor. 

\_C/trtaifi.^ 



24 

Act III. — Scene i. 

The Dawson house — Mrs. Dawson sewing — Miss Desdemona re- 
turns from taking music lesson — Has her violin music. 

Mrs. Dawson. Well, daughter, how did you succeed with 
your lesson to-day.-' 

Desdemona. Very well indeed, mother, n- 

Mrs. Dawson. What do you think of the violin by this 
time.^ 

Desdemona. Well, it is like every musical instrument. 
It has its peculiarities. 

Mrs. Dawson. Do you like it.' 

Desdemona. At first, you know, I did not like it. It was 
only to please Father; but I am learning to love the violin. 

Mrs. Dawson. Your father will feel mighty proud of 
that. He thinks the violin the best of all instruments. 

(Jasper, colored servant, brings in a letter for Desdemona 
and a paper for Mrs. Dawson.) (Desdemona reads her letter.) 

Mrs. Dawson (looking over at her daughter, who ap- 
pears sad.) Desdemona, pray, what is the matter.' 

(Desdemona walks around the room.) 

Mrs. Dawson (puttfng her arms around her daughter.) 
Tell me, Desdemona, what troubles you? 

Desdemona. The Lord preserve him! Yes. mother, you 
shall always be the treasurer of my secrets. 

Mrs. Dawson. What causes you to be sad.-* 

Desdemona. Mr, Sears is down with fever, and I fear 
that it will go hard with him, mother. 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, I presume that it is very severe, but 
has he not a good nurse, Desdemona? Let me see; I will 
read the letter. (Mother reads letter.) 

Dear Desdemona : — Since disposing of the Elkhorn mine I 
took a severe cold which culminated in pneumonia. Feeling 
that something severe was coming upon me I came to the 
Sisters' Hospital, where every care is bestowed upon me. I 
cannot liken the Sisters to anything but angels in human 
form. They have been a mother to me and prayed and 
watched at my bedside whilst my life was in peril. The 
Doctor, too, has been attentive and, thank God, my life has 



25 

been spared. I am able to sit up in bed and write you. 
Unless a relapse or something unforseen happens I am in a 
fair way to recover. If you hear from my sister don't men- 
tion my sickness, lest mother would venture out to see me. 
The journey and change at this season of the year would be 
too much for her. Give my regards to your parents, and for 
yourself accept my best esteem. Pray for me, darling, and 
may God bless you. Yours truly, GEORGE. 

Mrs. Dawson. Now, my dear, it might be worse, and as 
he is well cared for let us hope and pray that Mr. Sears will 
get better. 

Desdemona. Yes, mother, we will pray that he will soon 
be restored to health and strength. 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, daughter; we have every reason to 
hope so. (Enter Mr. Dawson.) 

Mr. Dawson. Well, I have struck a good bargain to-day 
— ha! ha! — 'deed I did. You don't catch this old chap a 
napping. 

Mrs. Dawson. Well, what bargain did you make to-day.^ 

Dawson. Why I sold my Brush Creek farm, and that at 
a good price, too. 

Mrs. Dawson. Who bought it.' 

Dawson. Why don't you ask what I got for it.'' 

Mrs. Dawson. Well, what price did you receive for it.-* 

Dawson. Seventy-two dollars an acre. It is a good 
price; yet it's a good bargain. 

Desdemona. Who bought it, pa.' 

Dawson. Call me dad and I'll tell you. 

Desdemona. Why, pa is nicer than dad! 

Dawson. No it ain't either, by George! 

Desdemona. Well, now, dad, who bought the upper place.' 

Dawson. Well, Desdie — now I'll tell you. It was old 
Uncle Aleck. Ye see it jined his farm on the west, and he 
wanted it mighty bad and he paid my price for it. 

Mrs. Dawson. Did he pay you the money down.' 

Dawson. You bet your bottom dollar he'll do it. He 
gave me one thousand dollars down and will pay balance 
when his lawyer passes on the abstract. 

Mrs. Dawson. There is just two hundred acres in that 



26 

farm, and at $72 per acre it will fetch just $14,400. How is 
that? 

Mrs. Dawson. That is a good sum. 

Dawson. Well, Julia, I feel good over that trade and am 
going to give you and Desdie some change to go a shopping. 
Opens pocket-book.) Here, Julia, is a hundred dollars. 
Desdie, my dear one, come here; here is another hundred 
for you, daughter. (Desdemona comes forward and receives 
the bills from her father, who sees a letter sticking out of 
her bosom.) 

Desdemona. I thank you very much, father. 

Dawson. By the way, Desdie, what is that you've got 
there.'' 

Desdemona. It is a piece of writing, father. 

Dawson. Let me see it, daughter. 

Desdemona. Why, dad, you don't want to see this? 

Dawson. Why not, daughter? 

Desdemona. Because (puts finger to her mouth) — 

well, yes — because it is my letter. 

Dawson. Well, let me see it. Tain't a love letter, is it? 

Desdemona. It's from a dear friend, father. 

Dawson. Your friend should be my friend, Desdie, Let 
me see who it is! 

Desdemona (reluctantly hands letter to Dawson.) There, 
now, father, you won't read it, will you? 

Dawson (puts on his spectacles and takes the letter out of 
the envelope and reads; "My dear Desdemona" — looks 
over at his daughter surprisingly.) Why, Desdie, who is 
this calling you his dear Desdemona? 

Desdemona (looking at her mother.) He is a friend, 
father. 

Dawson (reads on). "Pray for me, darling, and may God 
bless you. Yours respectfully and truly. George Sears. " 
Desdie, let me see, (scratching his head) is this the Ken- 
tucky dude who came to see you a few times? 

Desdemonia. Yes, father; he is a Kentuckian, but is in 
the mountains now. 

Dawson. Y-e-e-s, at Cripple Creek, too, I suppose to try 
his fortune, ha! ha! ha! 



27 

DesSemona. Yes, father, you remember his sister. Miss 
Emma, who was visiting me last summer. 

Dawson. Y-e-e-s, she was a nice gal, but I say whoo! 
Emma, and whoo! Desdie, don't let it ever get into your 
head that I am a going to let you marry a miner of Cripple 
Creek or anywhere else. 

Desdemona. But if I loved him, father.' 

Dawson. You must git it out of your head, Desdie. You 
bet you must! 

Mrs. Dawson. Let us drop the subject, for she is not 
going to marry now, anyway. 

Dawson. I know something of these love affairs. I've 
been there myself and know jist what I'm a talking about. 
(Turning to his daughter.) Do you hear me, Desdie.' 

Desdemona. Yes, father; give me my letter and we will 
call it quits for to-day. 

Dawson. Y-e-e-s, and forever; you bet your bottom dol- 
lar. Here's your letter. 

Desdemona. Thank you, father 

Dawson. Desdie, I want yer to hear your father. Now 
honor bright, Jim Henry is going to be a doctor. He'll 
come back from Edinboro on top of his profession and I 
want you — the darling of my heart — to be a musician of the 
highest standard.* 

Desdemona. I am doing all I can, dad, to please you in 
that line. 

Dawson. Yes, gal, you seem to be. But let me tell you 
that any person that's in love can never git there. 

Desdemona. That may be with the men folks, but not 
with the ladies. 

Dawson. Dar, you git me, Desdie. I is sure its the case 
with the men folks but how can I tell about the women.' 
Call your mother. [Exit Desdie.] 

Dawson. I don't know what's got into this girl's head 
anyhow. 

(Mrs. Dawson and Desdemona enter.) 

Mrs. Dawson. What is the matter.' 

Dawson. Say, wife, I's been a telling Desdie that I want 
her to get to the top round of the ladder in music and told 



28 

her she could never get there and be in love at the same 
time. 

Mrs. Dawson. Why so? 

Dawson. Kase the Good Book says so. 

Desdemona. I never heard the like; where does the Bi- 
ble say it, father.^ 

Dawson. I jist don't know the chapter nor the verse, but 
it says that we can't serve two masters at the same time. 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, the Scripture says that no man can 
serve two masters. 

Dawson. We won't quarrel about it, but you always 
heard that we must not have too many irons in the fire, 
'cause some of them might get burned. 

Desdemona. I shall do my best, father, to climb the 
music ladder. 

Dawson. Say, wife, do you know what I heard in town.-* 

Mrs. Dawson. I cannot say. 

Desdemona. What is it, father.^ 

Dawson. They tell me that Prof. Barret and his family 
are making arrangementts to go to Europe. 

Mrs. Dawson. What will daughter do for a teacher then.-* 

Dawson. I'll tell you what she will do. 

Desdemona. He did not say anything about going when 
I was there. 

Dawson. No; he is a man that says little about his busi- 
ness affairs, but I know that, he sold his property and in- 
tends starting away in a short time. 

Desdemona. Do you tell me.-' 

Dawson. Yes, I do tell you, and what is more, I'm a go- 
ing to git up and git out of this country myself. 

Mrs. Dawson. What's a coming over you, anyway, 
Stephen? 

Dawson. Missouri is too slow, and I am thinking of sell- 
ing out and going abroad. 

Mrs. Dawson. For what! husband? 

Dawson. For business and pleasure. Yes, I am deter- 
mined to do it. (He rises.) 

Desdemona. My dear father, hear me, if you please 
Surely you are not going to sell our homestead? This beau- 



29 

tiful place, where you have spent so many happy years of 
your life — where you have always been blessed with peace 
and plenty. O, do but consider this spot — the birthplace 
of your children— the home of your family as the most 
sacred place on earth. Next to the church, father, it has 
been the vestibule of Heaven. O! Do not, I beg of you, 
think of parting with it forever. Consider dear mother, 
think of brother and look upon me as your dutiful child. Do 
not, I beg of you, break our hearts! 

Dawson. Well, daughter, rather than break your hearts 
and divorce you entirely from my old sweetheart, Missouri, 
I shall retain our home place. 

Desdemona. I thank you, father, thank you. 

[Exit Mrs. Dawson and Desdemona.] 

(Enter Jasper with Mr. Blake.) 

Mr. Blake. I hope that I do not intrude. 

Dawson. Not at all, friend Blake, you are always wel- 
come to the Dawson home. 

Blake. I understand that you are going to the World's 
Fair at Paris and dropped down to see if you will rent your 
home place. 

Dawson. I expect I will. 

(Enter Mrs. Dawson and Desdemona.) 

Mrs. Dawson. I am glad to see you, Mr. Blake. 

Desdemona. How do you do, Mr. Blake.'' 

Blake. I am well, thank you. In case, Mr. Dawson, you 
will rent the home place I have a man who will take care of 
everything and give you a fair price for the rent. 

Dawson. Who is the man.^ 

Blake. It is George Weber. 

Dawson. Old Fred Weber's son.^ 

Blake. Yes, sir, he is the man. 

Dawson. I thought he owned a farm of his own. 

Blake. He does. It is rented and he can't get it for two 
years. 

Dawson. Well, I'll rent him my home place as long as 
he wants it — I know he will take care of it. 

Mrs. Dawson and Desdemona. Why! We are not going 
to leave, are we.'' 



;o 



Dawson. Yes, my dear ones, we are going to leave for a 
while, at least. Did I not tell you so before.' 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, but we thought that you were only 

joking. 

Dawson. I was always in earnest about the matter. 
Blake Now, folks, I must leave you as I have consider- 
able business to attend to. Mr. Dawson, shall I draw up 
the contract for the rent.' j t -n i 

Dawson. Yes, Mr. Blake, you may do so and 1 will only 
ask Mr. Weber three dollars an acre. 

Blake I think that amount verv reasonable and am con- 
fident that it will be satisfactory to Mr. Weber, and you no 
doubt will be pleased with your tenant. 

Dawson. I am so glad that our home will be in such 
good hands. Tell him that we will give him possession in- 
side of two weeks. 

Blake Mrs. Dawson and Miss Dasdem ona, I must cor- 
<Tratulate you on the prospects of a pleasant tour. Mr. 
Dawson, give me your hand. (Shake hands.) 1 must ad- 
mire you on the afternoon of your life to be so level-headed 
and considerate for yourself and family to take such needed 
rest and recreation. I hope that we shall meet at the great 
World's Fair. Good morning. 

Dawson. Good morning and God bless you, Mr. Blake 
[Exit Blake.] Now, wife and daughter, what do you think 
of me.? Am I such a great old fool after all.? 
Mrs. Dawson. No indeed, husband! 

Desdemona. I am so glad, dad, that we are not to part 
with our dear old home. 

Dawson. I don't blame you for that, daughter. i his 
has been the home of your childhood and many happy days 
we have all spent here together. Miss Louri was my first 
sweetheart and your mother was my next. 
Mrs Dawson. Steve, what is that you say.? 
Dawson Julia, dear, you are and have always been the 
apple of my eye. (He goes over to her and kisses her.) 
Mrs. Dawson. What do you mean.? 
Dawson. I mean, Julia, that you and Miss Louri are my 



% sweethearts. We have labored and worked well together 
and now you and Desdie and I are going to have a grand 
time at the World's Fair. 

(Enter Jasper and Mr. Ready.) 

Ready. The top of the morning to yees. (All rise and 
shake hands with Mr. Ready. All say good morning, Mr 
Ready.) 

Ready. Well, Miss Desdemona, you are a bright girl — 
God bless you. Av I was a young man I'd set me cap for 
you, and when I'd pop the question you would say yes! 
Wouldn't you, now. Tell me a fra.^ 

Desdemona. I don't know, Mr. Ready. 

Dawson. Julia, don't that remind you when you and I 
was a courting. 

Mrs. Dawson. I don't remember. 

Dawson. Y-e-e-s, indeed, you remember what a mighty 
bashful gander I was. 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, and what a goose I was. 

Ready. Indade, I believe you were more like ducks and 
drakes — ha! ha! ha! 

Dawson. Sit down, Mr. Ready. (Sits down.) Did you 
hear the news, my friend.^ 

Ready. What news do you mane, sir.^ 

Dawson. My family and I are going to the Old World. 

Ready. Don't tell me. 

Dawson. Y-e-e-s, we are going. 

Ready. Be the powers the papers are full of such things, 
and I hope you are not going to lave us. 

Dawson. Y-e-e-s we are going sure pop. 

Desdemona. Mr. Ready, we are going across the water 
to the World's Fair at Paris. 

Ready. Oh? I see now! Indeed that's a foine p!ace. 

Dawson. Well, Mr. Ready, I do wish you were going 
with us to Paris. 

Ready. Faith and I'm going to onld Ireland this summer, 
plase God. 

(Enter Jasper.) 

Jasper. Law bless you, massa, what's a-goin' to be done 
wid dis nigger if you are all goin' to leave.'^ 



Dawson. Don't mind, Jasper. If we don't take you 
along" we'll provide for you. 

Jasper. Lord bless you, massa. I is Jasper Dawson all over. 

Ready. Begorry, ave yees don't take him wid yees, send 
the Darkey over to my house and he may stay with us. 

Desdemona. Just think of it! This may be the last time 
that we meet in old Carroll county for many a day. 

Dawson. Never mind, Desdie, we shall all meet here again. 

Desdemona. May God grant it, father. 

Ready. I do wish you folks would get a peep at the 
Emerald Isle before you come back to America. 

Dawson. Why do you want us to go to Ireland.'' 

Ready. Becase it is the foinest country in the world. 

Desdemona. Do you think, Mr. Ready, that Ireland is 
finer than the United States.^ 

Ready. Of course, Miss, the United States is greater in 
extent of territory and while the Stars and Stripes is the 
grandest flag in the world and this Govermint is the best 
under the sun, still I belave that the scenery of Ireland is the 
foinest on the globe. 

Mrs. Dawson. I heard that Killarney lakes and scenery 
could not be surpassed anywhere. 

Dawson. Julia, if that's so we must visit Ireland. 

Ready. I wish you could take a sail on the Bay of Dub- 
lin and see the Wicklow mountains. You'd never forget it 
in all your life. 

Dawson. Why, my wife knows a song called "The Bay 
of Dublin' ' 

Ready. Mussha, it is a long time since I heard that son"-, 
and a foine one it is. Oh, I'd like to hear that song. 

Dawson. Mrs. Dawson, jist please sing that song for the 
gentleman. 

Mrs. Dawson. Certainly, I will. I am not much of a 
singer, but will do the best I can. Miss Barret, will you 
please play the chords for me.-* 

Miss Barret. If you have the music I can do so with the 
greatest of pleasure. (Miss Barret plays piano and Mrs. 
Dawson sings "The Bay of Dublin." All admire and clap.) 



33 
Act IV. — Scene i. 

Paris — The Dawsons at Hotel Continent ol Rue de Rivoli, Paris. 

Mrs. Dawson. Desdemona, what do you think of Paris.-* 

Desdemona. I am delighted, mother, with Paris. I think 
it the Capital of the world. It is lively and beautiful. 

Mrs. Dawson. What about the language and the people.^ 

Desdemona. The language I don't understand, but think 
it sounds sweetly. The French people speak with so many 
gestures and are so very polite. 

Mrs. Dawson. I believe our morning ride is the most 
beautiful of all my life. 

Desdemona, Indeed, mother, I think the Champs 
Elys'ees and the Bois de Boulogne the most beautiful places 
that I have ever seen. 

(Enter Jasper with tray.) 

Jasper. Here, ladies, is de sham pane. Lookout; it pop! 

Desdemona. Here, Jasper, open it. 

Jasper. I'se 'fraid. (He opens it.) 

(Enter Mr. Dawson and Count la Far.) 

Dawson. Ladies, I am glad that you are enjoying your- 
selves. 

Mrs. Dawson. We were so thirsty Desdemona and I 
thought that we would have some champagne. 

Count la Far. Indeed, and that is very nice. How did 
you enjoy that ride papa and I did arrange fo-r you.-' 

Desdemona. We enjoyed it very much, Count La Far. 

Count. What is your opinion now of France — I mean 
Paris in particular.'' 

Desdemona. We are perfectly delighted with Paris, your 
capital city. 

Dawson. Wife and daughter, it was really grand to-day. 
Tell me are not the people very kind and polite everywhere? 

Mrs. Dawson and Desdemona. Indeed, they are very kind. 

Count. Now, ladies, to tell you the truth I vas in Lon- 
don, Edinburg and many other places that were very fine, 
but I never found such beauty and life and pleasure any- 
where as in my native Paris. 

Desdemona. While Paris is beautiful there is no place 



34 

that has such charms for me as America — especially my 
native State, Missouri. 

Count LaFar and Dawson. Why so, Miss Desdemona.^ 

Desdemona. I will confess that art has sway here in 
Paris, and while she is at the zenith of beauty in that re- 
spect, Missouri has youth aud wealth of natural beauty 
which is simply grand. 

Dawson. I am so enchanted with Paris that I believe I 
will cast my lot here. 

Mrs. Dawson. This is a good place to stay until you get 
tired. 

Desdemona. It must cost something to keep up this gay 
way of living in the Capital. 

Count. Indeed, for rich people that's very little. Then 
persons can live a more retired life if they wish. 

Dawson. It becomes people who want a good time and 
see life. Paris, I think, is the gayest of all European cities. 
(All drink champagne.) 

Count (holding up his glass.) Viva la Belle P'rance. 

Desdemona. Viva la Madamoiselle Missouri. 

Mrs. Dawson. Here is to our friends. 

Dawson. Here is to our noble selves. (They drink.) 

Count The very drink and food of France cannot be 
excelled anwhere in the world. 

Dawson, Wife, come this way. I wish to consult you 
about some matters and will let the young folk talk over the 
beauties of Nature and those next to their hearts. 

[Exeunt Mr. and Mrs. Dawson.] 

Desdemona. I think the French kitchen is one of the 
best. I am satisfied, however, with American cooking. 

Count. Pardon me, Miss Dawson, but do you not enjoy 
the dishes of la Belle France? 

Desdemona. I do, indeed. 

Count. What is your objection, then.' 

Desdemona. I have offered no objection, but merely said 
that our American cooking suited me best. 

Count. Since the French kitchen is counted the best, 
would you not be pleased to always enjoy the French dishes 
with me.'' 



35 

Desdemona. I will say that the French cooking is very 
nice, but would prefer American cooking. t- 

Count. Pray, I beseech you, Miss Dawson, tell me the 
reason. 

Desdemona. I prefer American dishes because I am ac- 
customed to them. Secondly, because they are easier di- 
gested. 

Count. I see you are afraid of indigestion. But I can 
assure you that the French food is better in this climate. 
Now, tell me, how you like the people here. 

Desdemona. I like them very much indeed. They are 
very polite. 

Count (rising.) Shake hands. Ma Belle Missouri. (She 
puts her hand in his and he draws her to his side.) 

Desdemona. What do you mean.-* 

Count. I mean to thank you in true French style for 
your kind esteem. 

Desdemona. How is that, Count LaFar.' Is there a spe- 
cial way for thanking people? 

Count. Yes! Madamoiselle Dawson, there is a special 
way. I will show it to you. Give me your hand. (She 
gives her hand.) Look me in the eyes. (He kisses her on 
the forehead.) I thank you very much. 

Desdemona. What have you done? 

Count. I simply placed my lips upon your handsome 
brow, from which came your esteem for me. 

Desdemona. You amaze me. You are so very unneces- 
sarily polite. Words would be sufficient to convey one's 
thoughts and esteem. 

Count. But my dear Miss Dawson, I must congratulate 
you Belle America. My heart goes out to all that is good 
and noble. I cannot express to you my sentiments on this 
occasion. 

Desdemona. Why so? 

Count. Pardon me. Miss Dawson. It is impossible for 
me to express sufficiently my esteem for you. 

Desdemona, I perceive your people make a good many 
unnecessary gestures they ought to save themselves. 

Count. Since you are so kind as to express esteem for us 



36 

I would like to return the compliment in true French style. 

Desdemona. 1 will be better pleased with the American 
style. 

Count. I must then simply say to you, Miss Dawson, 
that I love you. 

Desdemona. I am thankful that your people and Ameri- 
cans respect and esteem each other. 

Count. I am so glad that you American beauties love us. 

Desdemona. Yes, we love you at a respectful distance. 

Count. I like very much that American song 

Desdemona. Marching through Georgia.' 

Count. I could understand better if you would sing it for 
me. 

Desdemona. I am not in a singing mood to-day, but will 
ask cousin Nance to sing it for you. (Goes for Miss Nance 
and she enters.) 

Count. I am glad you are so kind to come and sing for me. 

Miss Nance. I will be pleased to do so. 

Count. We like foreign airs and American music is very 
hne. 

Miss Nance. I wifl try to please you. (Sings.) 

Desdemona. Well, Count, how do you like the song.' 

Count. I am delighted and hope to have the pleasure of 
hearing you some day. 

Desdemona. When I am in singing mood I will favor you 
with a song. 

Count. Now, ladies, I must leave you. I am sorry, but 
business of importance demands my attention. Good eve- 
ning, my dear ladies. 

Desdemona. Good bye, Count. 

\_Ci/rtairi.'\ 

Act IV. — Scene 2. 

Hotel Continental, Paris — Desdemona 7vritiiig at ta/>/e. 

(Enter Mr. Dawson.) 

Dawson, Well, Desdie, how do you get along with your 
music' 

Desdemona. Father, since I have heard that Concert at 
the Grand Opera House, I am convinced that your pet is 



37 

about the finest instrument. I believe that a master hand 
should call forth its music. 

Dawson. Well, how are you making it with the Count.-* 
I mean Count la Far.'' 

Desdemona. What do you mean, father.-* 

Dawson. I mean can you love him.-* 

Desdemona. Love him as God's creature — yes, but not 
otherwise. 

Dawson. Is he not polite and very kind.^ 

Desdemona. Yes, he is crazy, nonsense. 

Dawson. I understand, too, thnt he is very wealthy. 

Desdemona. Pshaw! father, why do you want to get rid 
of me in a foreign country.' 

Dawson. I love you, Desdie, and want you to marry a 
gentleman of wealth and honor. 

Desdemona. I prefer to choose an American, and as for 
wealth and honor, 1 don't believe the Count has much. I 
am of the opinion that he wants to marry for wealth and 
American honor. 

DawsOn. The Count is very wealthy, and tells me he 
loves you. 

Desdemona. Pshaw! father; don't let him pull the wool 
over your eyes. I think La Far is a broken-down Count, 
and wants our money. 

(Enter Mrs. Dawson.) 

Mrs. Dawson. Desdie, I wish that you would not have 
anything to do with that La Far. He is no Count at all. 

Dawson. Why so, wife.' 

Mrs. Dawson- A lady next door says that he has spent 
all he has and lives offhis widowed sister. 

Desdemona. Indeed, mother.' 

Mrs. Dawson, So I have heard from the lady. 

Dawson Well, if it's a fact, he is a scoundrel. I'll find 
out from the Assessor. I'll just go to the office and have 
the clerk telephone the Assessor. [Exit Dawson.] 

Desdemona. Mother, did you hear that Count la Far was 
living with or off his widow sister.' 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, daughter; he is living with his sister, 



38 

and is dependent on her for his support. 

Desdemona. Is he then no Count? 

Mrs. Dawson. Oh! he is a Count, and, no doubt, of noble 
family, but he has squandered his fortune, and makes no 
use whatever of his ability or education. 

Desdemona. And this is the gentleman, Monsieur La 
Count, which my father desires me to wed.^ No! I shall 
never marry him. 

Mrs. Dawson (embracing her daughter). Yes, you are 
right, Desdemona. 

(Enter Dawson with hand full of letters.) 

Dawson, Desdie, here is a letter from your Kentucky 
dude, I believe. Julia, dear, here is a letter from Carroll- 
ton, Missouri. 

Desdemona. Father, please don't call my friend a dude, 
which he is not. Mr. George Sears is a gentleman in every 
sense of the word. 

Mrs. Dawson. My own dear Stephen Dawson. 

Dawson. What is it, Julia.^* 

Mrs. Dawson. My dear old sweetheart. You always 
loved your wife and children. Tell us about your new-found 
friend. Count LaFar. Is it so that you are going to stay in 
Paris and engage in business with him.' 

Dawson. Who told you so.' 

Mrs. Dawson. Your actions and words of praise. 

Dawson. It is not so. I have all the business I want 
taking care of you and Desdie. 

Desdemona. Oh, father, what have you learned about the 
Count! Has the Assessor told you of all the great property 
he owns.' 

Dawson. Confound the Count. I don't believe he is a 
Count at all. At any rate I found out from the Taxman 
that LaFar was only a gentleman in poverty. 

Desdemona. Indeed, father! And where is his wealth 
gone.' Are you still anxious that I should marry this gentleman.' 
Dawson. I did not say that you should marry him. I 
only said that he loved you. 

Desdemona. Father, I believe that it is your money he 

loved. 



39 

Dawson. Hang him; he lied to me and I believe that he 
is a scoundrel. 

Mrs. Dawson. LaFar may not be a scoundrel, but we 
must beware of such new-made friends. 

Dawson. I must confess that I like Paris very much, but 
I don't understand French and am disgusted with their 
grinning politeness. 

Mrs. Dawson. The French Capital is indeed a great city 
and I have no doubt at all but that many of her citizens are 
noble-hearted people. 

Desdemona. Yes, indeed mother, you are right. Some 
of the brightest intellects of the world were citizens of France. 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, and the nation has always acted 
kindly towards our dear America. 

Desdemona. Yes, mother; when our country was strug- 
gling for liberty, Gen. LaFayette gave his fortune and his 
sword to America. 

Dawson. Well, Desdie, you may stay and marry the No- 
Count if you want to, but your mother and I are going to 
leave the country. 

Desdemona. God forbid, father, that I should ever marry 
a man that is No-Count. 

Dawson. Hold on there, Desdie, I meant no offense, 
but surely you would not marry that dude, who sent that 
letter.^ 

Mrs. Dawson. My dear Steve, don't tantalize Desdie so. 

Dawson (placing his arms around his daughter.) Cheer 
up, Desdie, the right man has not come along yet — when he 
does, we shall place no obstacle in the way. 

Mrs. Dawson. Steve, did you get any letters.'* 

Dawson. Yes, I got one from Andrew Ready. He is in 
Dublin, Ireland. 

Mrs. Dawson. What does he say.'' 

Dawson. He says the country is delightful, and wants 
us to meet him in Dublin, and he will show us the beauty 
spots of Erin. 

Mrs. Dawson. Shall we go.' 

Dawson. To be sure we will, but first we must go to 
London, where they speak plain English, and have Desdie 



40 

hnish her musical education. 

Mrs. Dawson. Right here in Paris is the best place for 
that, and a few more weeks will finish her, I think. 

Dawson. Well, as you say, Julia, but as there are too 
many Counts here for me, I want to leave as soon as possi- 
ble for London. 

Mrs. Dawson. We have seen the World's Fair, many 
museums and works of art, and, if you wish, we will leave 
Paris any time you name. 

Dawson. Suppose, then, we leave Saturday and we will 
reach London Sunday morning. 

Mrs. Dawson. All right! this will give us three days 
more — ample time to see all that we haven't seen. 

Dawson. After lunch we will go out to the Hotel des 
Invalides. Desdie, I will go for the carriage; get ready be- 
fore lunch. [Exit Dawson.] 

Mrs. Dawson. Now, daughter, your father says that we 
must be ready to leave for London next Saturday. 

Desdemona. Ah, me! that's too bad, mother, for George 
will be here next week — W^ednesday — and how can I get to 
see him.-* 

Mrs. Dawson. Have you received a letter from Mr. Sears.-* 

Desdemona. Yes, mother; here it is. (Pulling letter 
out of her pocket.) 

Mrs. Dawson. Read it for me, Desdie. 

(Desdemona opens letter and reads). 

Nazareth, Ky., July 12, 1900. 

My Dear Desdemona: — Learning from Mr. Blake that the 
Dawson family had left for the World's Fair, I did not have 
the pleasure, which I anticipated, of meeting you at Carroll- 
ton Heights. I did not stop there at all, but came on here 
to visit mother and the folks. I have been here just two 
weeks, and have had a delightful time with relatives aud 
friends of my youth. There was only one thing lacking to 
make my joy complete, and that was the presence of my 
dearest friend. Miss Dawson. However, it may be all for 
the best, i have made arrangements with Mr. Blake, who 
is now my financial agent, to meet me in New York, and, 
after attending to some business matters there, we will both 



41 

sail for Paris. I hope to reach there about the 5th of 
August. Pray that we may have a safe and speedy voyage. 
I found mother and sister and all the folks well. They join 
me in kindest regards to you and your parents. I hope that 
you are enjoying the Great World's P^air, and expect to meet 
you all at the American exhibit. I cannot say what hotel 
we shall stop at, but will register at the New Vork Herald 
office, where you can address me. Yours with esteem, 

George Sears. 

Mrs. Dawson. Well, I declare — Mr. Sears and Mr. Blake 
are both coming to the World's Fair, and how glad we 
should be to meet them. 

Desdemona. Yes, indeed, mother; can you imagine how 
I would like to see Mr. Sears.' 

Mrs. Dawson. Daughter, I appreciate your position very 
much, and am at a loss to know how we can arrange a meet- 
ing with those kind friends. 

Desdemona. Cannot father go on to London and secure 
quarters for us at some good hotel.-* — and we could go on 
afterwards. 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, that is possible, but I don't like to 
have your father travel alone. 

Desdemona. Why so, mother.'' 

Mrs. Dawson. Well, he has never traveled alone much, 
and now during World's Fair year there are so many rascals 
and some Counts abroad. 

Desdemona. You are right, mother, but how shall we 
meet our friends.'' 

Mrs. Dawson How would you suggest, Desdemona.-* 

Desdemona. Well, mother, father seems to be deter- 
mined on going to London on Saturday, and lest he might 
run up against some more Counts, I think that it is better 
for us to go. 

Mrs. Dawson. But what about the gentlemen.' 

Desdemona. Well, mother, we can have them come over 
to London and see us. 

Mrs. Dawson. That is a capital idea and the best way 
for all concerned. Leave a letter at the Herald ofifice for 
George. 



42 

Desdemona. Capital idea, mother, capital idea. 

[ Curtain. "| 

Act V. — Scene i. 

London — Grand Hotel, Trafali^ar Square — Mrs. Dawsou and 
Desdemona. 

Desdemona. Mother, London reminds me somewhat of 
New York. 4. , 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, daughter, but it appears more old 
and quaint. How does it compare with Paris in your esti- 
mation.'' 

Desdemona. From what I have seen, mother, Paris is far 
ahead of London. 

Mrs. Dawson. London is one of the greatest business 
cities in the world. What strikes you to be contrast with 
America.'' 

Desdemona. There is more art and a better class of it in 
Europe, generally, than in America. 

Mrs. Dawson. You are right as regards art, my dear; 
these old countries are far in advance of us. What is keep- 
ing your father.' (tenter Dawson.) 

Desdemona. Here comes father, now. 

Mrs. Dawson. Well, Count Dawson, we are glad that 
you have come. 

Dawson. Please, now, don't call me that again. 

Desdemona. Why, father, don't you like that name.'' 

Dawson. No, I don't, it is too Frenchy for me. 

Desdemona. Why, mon paire, it is a distinction of honor. 

Dawson. Please, your honor, we are now in the British 
Dominion, and I prefer to be called Lord than anything else. 

Mrs. Dawson. Lord Dawson, you have keen perceptions. 
Now tell us what you think of London and Londoners.' 

Dawson. Mrs. Lord Julia, you amaze me. Have you 
not eyes and ears of your own.' 

Mrs. Dawson. We have; but we want your judgment 
on the matter. 

Dawson. You remmd me of the Henglish people; you 
want what you have not. Your own opinion is not enough 
for you, but you want mine, too. 



Desdemona. What do you mean, father? 

Dawson. You bewilder me, child. Call me Lord, lest I 
might forget it. 

Desdemona. Well, Lord Dawson, may it please your 
honor to speak out the knowledge and inform us regarding 
the general character of this great noble race with whom 
our country may form an alliance.'^ 

Dawson. To be frank, I hope that shall never occur. 

Desdemona. May I ask you. Lord, to speak the answer 
to my question about the people.^ 

Dawson. History tells us that away back the English 
people were a noble and hardy race, but with wealth they 
became haughty, and now the tendency is to look down 
upon the lowly. 

Mrs. Dawson. I believe the English people are noble 
and generous -hearted. 

Dawson. No doubt you will find as whole-souled and 
generous people in England as anywhere upon the globe. 

Desdemona. Why then, father, do you speak so dispar- 
agingly of the nation.-* 

Dawson. You must .undei^tand Lord Dawson, my 
daughter 

Desdemona. How so.'' Please explain, my Lord and 
father. 

Dawson. A Monarchial Government is too close and 
selfish; whereas a Republic is the contrary. 

Desdemona. I see, father, that a Republic is like a large 
family and has a tendency to broaden the views of its mem- 
bers and make them more charitable and God-like. 

Mrs. Dawson. True, for you, Desdemona; the Charter of 
American Liberty teaches the Golden Rule of loving one 
another and working for the welfare of the masses. 

Desdemona. Viva la America. 

Dawson. Long live the glorious Republic of America. 

Mrs. Dawson and Desdemona. Amen! So may it be. 

(Dawson arises, takes off his coat and ties an American 
flag around his waist.) 

Desdemona. Father, that is a nice flag — ^why tie it 
around your waist. ^ 



44 \,. 

Dawson. Because it makes me strong. It reminds me of 
the suffering of my forefathers. (Taking off the flag.) Wife 
and daughter, behold these stripes of red! They-tell us 
of the blood of martyrs, and the sufferings of our soldiers in 
the great Battle of Independence. These stripes run side 
by side — parallel with each other — and they indicate the 
unanimity of action of the braves, who fought the battles of 
Young America. These Stars are the Stars of Liberty — be- 
stowed by Almighty God upon the young, struggling Amer- 
ican nation. 

Mrs. Dawson and Desdemona. "Hail, Columbia! the gem 
of the ocean, the land of the free and the home of the brave." 

Dawson. Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue! — 
Three cheers for the United States and you (All give 
three cheers.) (Enter Jasper.) 

Jasper, Mr. Dawson, your carriage is ready. 

Dawson. I am going out to hnd our friend — your old 
professor — Mr. Barret. I understand that he is located 
somewhere in the city. 

Desdemona. Oh! father, I would like to go to him. He 
is so kind, and then he is such a good teacher. 

Dawson. It is quite warm. Stay where you are until I 
find Prof. Barret's place. 

Desdemona. (Puts arms around her father and kisses 
him.) Father, you are so kind. 

Mrs. Dawson. Dear Lord, Steve, I hope that you will 
find Prof. Barret. 

Desdemona. Father, beware of the Counts. 

Dawson. I shall do so. Take care of yourselves while I 
am gone. [Exit Dawson.] 

Mrs. Dawson. Daughter, how lovely, after all, our trip 
has been. 

Desdemona. Yes, mother, it has been an object lesson 
and many things we have learned in these old countries. 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, Desdemona, travel broadens our in- 
tellect and makes us see more and more the blessings of lib- 
erty which we enjoy at home. 

Desdemona. Yes, indeed! We, moreover, perceive the 
great arts which flourish on the Continent. 



45 

Mrs. Dawson. How happy our American citizens would 
be if they would devote more time to the sciences, fine arts 
and travel and give less time to corn and cattle. 

Desdemona. You are so considerate, mother. I am 
glad that you see things in their proper light. 

Mrs. Dawson. I have learned so much on this trip, and 
am thankful to God and Lord Stephen for the pleasure of 
this journey abroad. 

Desdemona. Indeed, we shouid be thankful. How 
grand is this Earth! How lovel}' is God to make it for us! 
Yes, mother, this life is worth living that we may enjoy it 
and so act towards the Creator and our fellow-man that we 
be deemed worthy to enjoy the bliss of Eternity. 

(Enter Jasper with card.) 

Mrs. Dawson (taking card, reads). George Sears, 

Cripple Creek, Colo. 

Desdemona. What is it, mother.^ Who is it.-* 

Mrs. Dawson. Mr. Sears must be in the hotel — this is 
his card. 

Desdemona. Oh! you don't say. What! George Sears 
here.' (Takes the card and kisses it.) 

Jasper. Yes, mum; the gentleman is down in the parlor. 

Mrs. Dawson. Desdemona, you had better have him 
come up. 

Desdemona. Jasper, wait a moment. Mother, are we 
dressed for company.' 

Mrs. Dawson. Daughter, we are all right — have our 
American friend come up immediately. 

Desdemona. Jasper, show Mr. Sears up. [Exit Jasper.] 

(Desdemona looks in the mirror.) 

Mrs. Dawson. Our friend cannot have been longer than 
a week at the World's Fair. 

Desdemona. I hardly think so. I am sure that he re- 
ceived my letter at the Herald office. 

Mrs. Dawson. To be sure he has. 

Desdemona. How kind in him to come on so shortly. 

(Enter Jasper and George Sears.) 

Jasper. Missus, here is Master Sears from the United 
States. 



46 

Mrs. Dawson. We are so tjlad that you have come, Mr. 
Sears. (Shakes hands.) 

George Sears, I am also very glad, indeed. 

Desdemona. Why, Mr. Sears; we are delighted to see 
you! Jasper, take Mr. Sears' hat and cane. 

Jasper. Yes, mum, you bet I will. He is a gentleman 
from the United States. 

Mrs. Dawson. We presumed that you were coming, Mr. 
Sears, but did not anticipate such an early visit. 

Sears. I would have liked to have seen more of Paris 
and the World's Fair, but was afraid that I might miss you, 
if I tarried longer. 

Desdemona. You are so kind, George. Mother and I 
had planned to meet you at the Colorado exhibit in the 
World's Fair building. 

Mrs. Dawson. Our arrangements, however, were made, 
and we were obliged to depart for England. 

Sears. Yes, I presumed so. 

Desdemona. Did you have a good voyage across the ocean.^ 

Sears. Yes, we had a delightful voyage, except on Fri- 
day afternoon — there was a severe storm which lasted about 
an hour. 

Mrs. Dawson. Were the passengers frightened.^ 

Sears. I should say they were. All were calling upon 
God's mercy to protect them. Even I heard two gentlemen 
who professed no faith call upon God to save them. 

Desdemona. Mr. Sears, I think the boundless ocean, es- 
pecially in a storm, makes one think of Eternity. 

Sears. Yes, it is a good place to make excellent resolu- 
tions for the living of better lives. 

Desdemona. George, you no doubt were delighted with 
Paris and the World's Fair.^ 

Sears. Mr. Blake and myself traveled continually and I 
must say that Paris is the finest city that I have ever seen. 

Mrs. Dawson. Will Mr. Blake remain long on the Conti- 
nent.-* 

Sears. Yes, I presume he will remain a month or so. He 
is a nice gentleman, thoroughly reliable and I expect to en- 
gage him in my business as long as he is willing to remain. 



47 

Desdemona. I think Mr. Blake an excellent gentleman. 
Where is he now.' 

Sears. He has gone to see Professor Barret and his sis- 
ter. 

Mrs. Dawson. Why, Mr. Dawson left for there just be- 
fore you came. 

Sears. Mr. Blake has business with Mr. Dawson and ex- 
pects to return here and see him. 

Mrs. Dawson. I am glad, indeed. Mr. Dawson will be 
delighted to meet him. 

Desdemona. What a contrast between the Old World 
and the New, Mr. Sears! 

Sears. Inpointof vastness the American continent seems 
greater. Its mountains are higher, and in fact our farms 
and business are on a more elaborate scale. Europe, how- 
ever, has the advantage of age and experience over us. Paris 
alone, I verily believe, has more fine architecture than all 
America A view from the Notre Dame Cathedral presents 
a scene that is simply grand. 

Desdemona George, did you notice the carvings over 
the central entrance of the Cathedral.' 

Sears. Yes, my\ dear, it is a carving of the last judge- 
ment; it was pointed out to us by the guide. It is the finest 
thing of the kind that I have ever seen. It made me ask 
myself the question, am I ready for judgment.' 

Mrs. Dawson. What was the answer, Mr. Sears.' 

Sears. Pardon me, Mrs. Dawson, you question me too 
closely, but I thought that I was not ready. 

Desdemona. What else of interest did you see in Paris, 
Mr. Sears.' 

Sears. Besides the Cathedral, there are many interesting 
churches. We visited a few palaces. We visited the pal- 
ace of the Tuileries, that was the home of Louis XVIII., 
Charles X., Louis Philippe and Napoleon III. The Presi- 
dent of the Republic of France lives now in the Palace de 
Leysee. We also saw the Palace du Luxembourg, where 
the Senate of the Republic holds their sessions. We visited 
many fine parks and gardens, the most famous promenade in 
Paris — rand one of the finest in the world — the Champs Ely- 



48 

sees. We stood in the Caucarde Square, in the center of 
which is the Luxor Obelisk, given to Louis Philippe by the 
Pasha of Egypt. 

Desdemona. Did you see the great Triumphal Arch, 
George. ■* 

Sears. Yes, My dear. It is an imposing piece of archi- 
tecture that cost about two millions of dollars. There are 
many fine drives and cemeteries but we had no time to visit 
them. Tho Hotel Des Invalides, or Home for the Old Sol- 
diers, and the Gilded Dome attracted our attention. It is 
an immense building and has a church attached in which is 
the tomb of Napoleon I. In a chapel on the left is the 
tomb of Jerome Bonaparte and on the right is the Sarcopha- 
gus of Joseph Bonaparte, once King of Spain. We visited 
the Opera House, which covers about three acres. 

Desdemona. George, did you see the Colossal Statue in 
the Colorado exhibit.'' 

Sears. I saw it, but did not admire it. 

Mrs. Dawson. Why did you not admire that beautiful 
statue.'* 

Sears. Because I was looking for something greater. 

Desdemona. And what was it, George.' 

Sears. Shall I tell you.^ 

Desdemona. To be sure, George. 

Sears. It was an animated statue that I wished to see. 

Mrs. Dawson. Indeed, Mr. Sears, and what do you call 
that statue you sought so much.^ 

Sears. It was Desdemona. 

Desdemona. Ha! ha! ha! and do you know what I have 
been longing to see.' 

Sears. No, my dear, I cannot guess. 

Desdemona. It is a work of art — made by the grandest 
of all Architects. 

Sears. Please name it. 

Desdemona (rising). Well, it is a gentleman from America. 

Sears (rising and taking Desdemona's hand). Thank 
heaven that we have found each other. 

\_Ciirtaiii.'\ 



49 



Act V. — Scene 2. 

Grand Hotel, London — Sir Albert Murdoch's courtship repulsed — 
Miss Desdcmond's engagement to Mr. George Sears becoines known 
— Rev. Mark Austin arrives from the United States, and with 
Dawson.' s consent, will uniie Desdemona and Mr. Sears in 7ved- 

lock — Mrs. Dawson, Desdemona and Sir Albert Murdoch. 

Mrs. Dawson. You need not appeal to me, Sir Albert. 
My daughter is old enough to speak for herself in a matter 
of such importance. 

Sir Albert. Ah, yes, indeed; but would you not give 
your daughter good advice.-' 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, to be sure I would, and will when- 
ever she needs it. 

Sir Albert. Now, what advice would you give Miss Des- 
demona on this occasion.-* 

Mrs. Dawson. This is not the proper time to give advice 
— neither has she asked me. 

Desdemona. No, mother, I don't think it necessary in 
the present crisis. Your heart is ever with your child and, 
never fear, I understand its gentle promptings. Sir Albert, 
you must not consider that my mother would interfere Avith 
my love affairs. 

Sir Albert. I thought it was her duty to guide and di- 
rect you in such affairs. 

Desdemona. No doubt. Sir Albert, the counsel and ad- 
vice of our mother should always be directed for our tem- 
poral and eternal welfare. 

Sir Albert. Why, then, should it not be imparted in the 
present instance.^ 

Desdemona. My mother's advice and counsel have often 
been sought and given. 

Sir Albert. I very much admire your mother and as I am 
in iove with you, 1 only sought her influence in my behalf. 
If you could see my heart you would understand me, and I 
hope acquiesce, to become my partner for life. 

Desdemona. The promptings of the human heart should 
be compatible with the will of the Creator. 

Sir Alber. Believe me when 1 tell you that our Creator 



50 

has prompted my heart to admire that which is grand and 
noble. Ah, yes, if you would only acquiesce and recipro- 
cate my love I believe that it would be recorded in heaven. 

Desdemona. True, for you, Sir Albert, it would be re- 
corded, yet not compatible with the will of God. 

Sir Albert. Why not, I pray you.' 

Desdemona. Because I love another. 

Sir Albert. Let me ask you to consider well your first 
engagement. May it not be premature or misplaced.-* 

Desdemona. I think not. Sir Albert. 

Sir Albert. I fear that you may not have considered 
properly the nature of the engagement and hence it would 
not be binding upon you. 

Desdemona. I have considered the matter and after ma- 
ture deliberation I am perfectly satisfied with my engage- 
ment. 

Sir Albert. Miss Dawson, you must not consider for a 
moment that I seek aught else but that which is just and 
right. 

Desdemona. I hope not; Sir Albert. 

Sir Albert. We all have our likes and dislikes and when 
I met you at the Barret School of Music, my heart went out 
to you. When I found that you were educated and a lady 
of good parentage, I said to myself and before God, "That 
is a pure creature and one worthy of companionship." 

Desdemona. Indeed! Sir Albert. 

Sir Albert. Yes, Miss Dawson, I believe not the doctrine 
of predestination, but I do believe that like seeks like and 
it should not be otherwise. 

Desdemona. Your ideas are correct, Sir Albert. 

Sir Albert. I believe, therefore, that I am traveling in 
the right direction when I seek your companionship in holy 
wedlock. 

Desdemona. Indeed! Sir Albert. 

Sir Albert. Yes, Miss Desdemona, could you look down 
into my heart, you would 'see there the worthy motives 
which prompt me to ask your consent to our alliance. 

Desdemona. While I do not question your motives I be- 
lieve not in a foreign alliance. 



Sir Albert. Pray, why not? 

Desdemona. Simply because it is not necessary. Now we 
are friends and independent of each other. Let us remain so. 

Sir Albert. But if we cannot effect this holy union what 
will become of my heart.^ 

Desdemona. It will become more sagacious and seek a 
more congenial union. 

Sir Albert Do you believe it possible.'' 

Desdemona. Most assuredly, Sir Albert. I am an Amer- 
ican and you are English; our ideas are different and we 
could not agree. 

Sir Albert. But we could learn. 

Desdemona. Sir Albert, pardon me, but your school days 
and mine are over. We are moulded differently and hence 
seek a friend that can be more compatible, 1 pray you. 

Sir Albert. Pardon me. Miss Dawson, can I not yet look 
upon you as a friend.-* 

Desdemona. Yes, Sir Albert. I admire your frankness 
and you may consider me your friend, but nothing more. 
(Turns away and again facing him.) May God direct you in 
the true path. 

Sir Albert. I thank you, Miss Dawson, from the depths 
of my soul. Good bye for the present. (Shake hands.) I 
hope that we shall meet again. 

Desdemona. I hope so. Goodbye. [Exit Sir Albert ] 

Mrs. Dawson. Desdemona, what do you think now of 
the young Lord.' 

Desdemona. Mother, you ask me what I think of Sir Al- 
bert; I will tell you. I consider him a nice gentleman and 
think that he will make a good suitor for some excellent 
young lady. 

Mrs. Dawson. I admire your perseverance in rejecting 
his advances. It is good in you to do so, Desdemona. 

Desdemona. Considering my engagement with Mr. Sears, 
it would be wrong to encourage Sir Albert. 

Mrs. Dawson. By such encouragement many girls cause 
trouble and even sometimes murder. 

Desdemona. How wisely the Church prohibits such fool- 
ish nonsense. 



52 

Mrs. Dawson. Certainly a promise of marriage rightly 
and maturely made is binding in conscience. 

(Enter Mr. Dawson and Jasper.) 

Jasper. Law md! Desdeemona, what did }'ou wid the 
Lord.' 

Desdemona. Shut Cip, Jasper. I have nothing to do with 
the Lord but obey His holy will. 

Jasper. I don't mean the Lord Massa in Heaven, but 
that gentleman who was here. He went away a-crying to 
hisself. 

Desdemona. Jasper, you will mind your own business. 

Jasper. Why, Ls got nobody to love me. 

Desdemona. Yes, Jasper, you must love the Lord thy 
God above all things and your neighbor as yourself. 

Jasper. What's you going to do when your neighbor 
won't speak to you and some tothers feel so big as the Lord 
hisself. What you going to do then, Miss Desdie.'' 

Desdemona. Never mind such people; let them alone. 
Only pray for them. 

Jasper. I don't like to pray for such folks. Let them 
pray for hisself. 

Desdemona. Yes, Jasper, but if you want the Lord to 
forgive you your sins you must forgive your neighbor. 

Jasper. If dat's so Lgis I haf to do it; but don't like to. 

Desdemona. Here, Jasper, get a pitcher of water. 

[Exit and brings it back.] (Mr. Dawson has lit his pipe 
and is talking to Mrs. Dawson.) 

Dawson. Yes, London is a great big overgrown city. 
By the way, Desdie, my child, have you made it all right 
with the Lord.'' 

Desdemona. Whom do you mean, father.' 

Dawson. Why, I mean Lord Murdock, to be' sure. 

Desdemona. Indeed, father, I am surpised at you — 
thinking that your daughter would marry anyone who is im- 
bued with imperialistic ideas. No, father; I want no one 
to be Lord over me, but God himself. 

Dawson (jumps up surprised). Mother, what does all this 
mean.' 

Mrs. Dawson. Stephen, my dear, do you not know that 



03 

Desdemona has a sweetheart this long time — the past three 
years at any rate? 

Dawson. No, I did not know it, and I don't want to 
know it. 

Desdemona. Yes, father, yOu remember that I gave you, 
as you requested, my sweetheart's letter to read. 

Dawson. You have reference to that Kentucky dude — sit 
down. (Refills his pipe.) Do you think for a moment that 
I could allow you — my own Desdemona, my darling child — 
to marry that young sycophant.'' Not at all. 

Desdemona. My dear father, I appreciate your love for 
me, and rest assured that I shall never wed a flatterer, nor a 
scape-goat. If I cannot marry a Christian gentleman I shall 
not wed at all. 

Dawson. If that be the case, then why not consider the 
character, the standing and the qualifications of Lord Mur- 
dock.? 

Desdemona. Simply: because he is an imperialist and 
arrogates to himself a title wnich should belong to God alone. 
i believe in a Republic whose citizens subscribe to the Con- 
stitution, the great magna charter of Liberty. 

Dawson. Barring that, Desdie, cannot an Englishman be 
a cultured gentleman.'^ 

Desdemona. Father, certainly he can. However, you 
would not want your daughter Lorded over by any man. 

Dawson. Give me your hands, Desdie. As God is our 
witness to-night I would slay the man — brute that would 
injure you. 

Desdemona. I am glad, father, that you understand the 
spirit and principles of true liberty. 

Dawson. To be sure I -do. 

Mrs. DawSon. Stephen, dear, why not let your daughter 
then be governed by the principles of Christian liberty and 
let her choose her own husband! (Desdemona sobs.) 

Dawson. But, Julia, it is our duty — mine in particular — 
to look after her temporal welfare. 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, and her spiritual welfare too and 
above all else. 

Dawson. Let us reason about this matter. Come now, 



54 

Julia; come, Desdemona. Hear me. As God is in Heaven 
I will nothing but the welfare of my daughter. 

Desdemona. Yes, father, mother and I believe that. But 
we are looking beyond the vale of this world. 

Dawson. That is eminently proper, Desdie, and it is for 
that reason that I would like you to wed, and will have you 
marry Lord Murdock, a wealthy, nice gentleman. 

Desdemona. Father, with all due respect for you, I can- 
not marry Sir Albert. 

Dawson. Is he not a nice gentleman, and with plenty of 
wealth to care for you.-* 

Desdemona. I scorn his wealth. 

Dawson. Do you tell me that you will not marry him.' 

Desdemona. I have said it, father. 

Dawson. (Rising and dashing his pipe to pieces upon 
floor). By the eternal! I shall know the reason! I have 
looked hard for your welfare — given you an education 
and come to Europe for your benefit, and now that I have 
succeeded in obtaining a good man — an honorable gentle- 

rrtan and wealthy, who is willing to become your husband 

you scorn me from the depths of your heart. 

Desdemona. Nay, father! 

Dawson. I tell you and your mother that I shall stand 
this no longer. (He takes drink of water.) 

Mrs. Dawson. Stephen, I am surprised at you. You 
will kill your daughter. 

Dawson. Kill nothing. 

Desdemona. Hear, me father. 

Dawson. No! You have said too much. I will not. 

Mrs. Dawson. Stephen, I beg of you to be calm! 

Desdemona. O, father, hear me, your child. No one 
loves you greater than I. 

Dawson. Well, what is it.' Speak out. 

Desdemona. Be patient with me and I will tell you all. 
No secrets will I keep back from you, for you are my own 
dear father. 

Dawson. What is it then.' Be quick! 

Desdemona. My father, to you whom God has given me 
as my protector and guardian. To you I owe respect and 



55 

obedience in all things compatible with the will of Heaven. 
Before I can leave the sacred spot that we call Home — be- 
fore I can leave you and my dear mother- — before I can 
transfer my love and allegiance from you I must be sure 
that he who takes your place in the affections of my heart 
must be one whom I can call husband in the true sense of 
the word — a Christian gentleman. Wealth and worldly 
honor caimot buy the affections of my heart. 

Dawson. What do you seek for in a husband, Desdemona.'' 

Desdemona. Besides the qualifications, father, dictated 
by taste — such as beauty of form and age — there are others 
far more necessary. 

Dawson. Pray, what do you consider the proper quali- 
fications for a husband? 

Desdemona. The virtues which I seek in a husband, be- 
sides Divine Faith, are Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and 
Temperance. 

Dawson. Lord Murdock possesses these and far more. 
Be obedient to me and look upon him as one worthy of your 
hand. 

Desdemona. No, father, it is impossible. I cannot obey 
you in this. 

Dawson. But, Desdie, I say to you that I have authority 
and you must obey. 

Mrs. Dawson. Stephen Dawson, I beseech you to con- 
sider the rights of your daughter and coerce her no longer. 

Dawson. Away, woman! do I not know my business.'' 
Desdemona, come, tell me are you ready to obey me or not.-* 

Desdemona. My father, there is our Father in heaven 
whom I must obey first, above all else in the world, (kneels) 
O, God, look down upon me in this hour of trial, grant that 
I may do nothing but what is compatible with Thy Holy 
will. Father, remember, father, my soul and yours — their 
salvation is at stake. 

Dawson. Am I not laboring to that end when I seek for 
you an honorable husband.' 

Desdemona Yes, father; but you know that I have a 
right to accept or reject him. Moreover, 1 am engaged to 
an honorable gentleman, whom you cannot but admire. 
LofC. 



56 

(Enter Jasper with cards on tra)-.) 

Dawson. Give me those, Jasper. (Reads names). Show 
the gentlemen in, Jasper. 

Mrs. Dawson. Husband, you ought to become acquainted 
with the gentleman whom your daughter likes. 

Dawson. Where is he.^ In Kentucky, I suppose. 

(Enter Jasper with Mr. Blake and George Sears.) 

Syl Blake. I am glad to find you within. Allow me to 
introduce Mr. George, of Colorado. Mr. George, this is 
my friend, Mr. Dawson. 

Dawson. I am glad to meet Americans. 

Mrs. Dawson. Mr. Blake, I am glad that you have come. 

Blake. This is my friend, Mr. George, of Colorado. 

Mrs. Dawson. I am pleased to meet Mr. George. 

Dawson. Mr. George, allow me to introduce you to my 
daughter. Miss Desdemona, this is Mr. George, of Colorado. 

Desdemona. I am so happy to meet you, sir! Do you 
like London.'' 

Mr. George. At present I like it very much. I don't be- 
lieve that I would like to live here. 

Dawson. This is a great, busy, bustling city. 

Mr. George. I prefer America and American ways of 
doing business. 

Blake. But it is nice to visit and see how our neighbors 
get along. 

Mr. George. That's what we have come for. 

Dawson. You have been in Paris, haven't you.' 

Mr. George. Yes, Mr. Dawson, but I have not seen very 
much of it. We expect to return there before leaving on 
our homeward tour. 

Dawson. Say, Mr. Blake, I hope that you will give us a 
wedding this Fall. 

Blake. Yes, perhaps before we go back. 

Dawson. We may have a wedding in our family afore 
we leave London. 

Blake. Ah, indeed! Miss Desdemona, I presume, has met 
some gallant she admires.'' 

Desdemona. No, indeed, Mr. Blake, father is joking. 

Dawson. There is no joking about it, an English Lord is 



S7 

deeply in love with her. All she has to say is yes, and 
we'll have one of the grandest weddings. 

George. Would you, Mr. Dawson, extend Mr. Blake 
and myself an invitation.'' 

Dawson. To be sure I will, gentlemen. 

Blake. Do you hear this, Miss Desdemona.' 

Desdemona. Indeed, I do, Mr. Blake. Nothing would 
giye me more pleasure than to have you both at my wedding. 

Blake. Give me your hand, Miss Desdemona. That's a 
bargain. Remember it, please. 

Desdemona. Certainly, I will! 

Dawson. I do hope that we will have a wedding in Lon- 
don. 

Desdemona. Mother, Mr. Blake contemplates a wedding 
in London, and father is anxious to give me away, too, so 
we may have a double wedding, you see. 

Mrs. Dawson. I think one wedding at a time might be 
enough. Mr. Blake, I think you are acquainted with a nice 
lady. Miss Celia Barret. 

Blake. Yes, she is a nice lady and a dear friend of mine, 
Mrs. Dawson. Please put in a good word for me there. 

Mrs. Dawson. I don't think it necessary, because she 
admires you. I think your chances are good. 

Mr. George (rising.) I must leave this good company now. 

Dawson. Don't be in a hurry, Mr. George. I would like 
to hear something about the great mountains and mines of 
Colorado. 

George. I should be glad to do so, but am obliged to go 
to my hotel and get some important letters. Moreover, I 
expect on this afternoon steamer a dear old friend of mine. 

Dawson. I am sorry that you are obHged to go. 

George. I will now bid you good evening. 

Dawson. Good evening. 

Desdemona (gets hat and cane). We shall be happy to 
see you again soon, Mr. George. 

George. I hope so. Good evening. 

Desdemona. Good evening- 
George. By the way, Mr. Blake, shall I look for you over 
to supper.' 



Dawson. We will be apt to keep him here for supper 
and talk about home folks and old times. 

George. All right, Mr. Dawson; but don't let him remain 
out too late in London. 

Mrs. Dawson. I will see that Mr. Blake gets off in time. 

(Desdemona throws kiss after George.) 

Mrs. Dawson. That seems to be a nice gentleman. 

Dawson. Look here, Mr. Blake, where did you come 
across this nice young man.-* I declare I like him. 

Blake. The first time that I met him was in CarroUton. 
Afterwards 1 took a vacation and went to Colorado and by 
chance met him at Cripple Creek, where he owned the Elk- 
horn mine. VVe became fast friends, and I can honestly say 
that he is one of the finest gentlemen that I have ever seen. 

Dawson. Do you tell me so! What is he doing over 
here, Mr. Blake.? 

Blake. I will tell you, and how we happen to be together. 
I was contemplating a visit to the World's Fair when I re- 
ceived a letter from Mr. George stating that he was going 
to Paris on business of importance and asked me to accom- 
pany him and take charge of some business for him. 

Dawson. What business.-' 

Blake. He ships ore and specimens to foreign countries 
and deals also in mining stocks. 

Dawson. How much do you reckon he is worth.-* 

Blake. I can't say exactly, but think that Mr. George is 
worth at least a million. 

Dawson. That's a great deal, I declare, and he is a 
young man yet. 

Blake. He was 24 on his last birthday. 

Dawson. I am surprised — and he is so wealthy. 

Blake. When Mr. Geo. Sears was 21 years of age he 
went to the mountains and put all his money in Cripple 
Creek and struck it rich. It seems to me, Mr. Dawson, 
that you met him at CarroUton. He was visiting the Bar- 
rets on Folger street. 

Dawson. Say, Julia, it appears to me there was a young 
man who came to the house with the Barret family the day 
of our social picnic. 



59 

Mrs. Dawson. Yes, it was the day you sent over for Mr. 
Ready and all had a great game of croquet. 

Dawson. By Jove, that's it! I remember it now. (Daw- 
son lites his pipe.) He wanted to take Jasper away to the 
mountains. Desdemona, do you remember anything about 
this gentleman a-playing croquet that day.-* 

Desdemona. Yes, father, I remember it very well. 

Dawson. By gosh, he is a fine man! 

Blake. He was just from college and very thin at the 
time; but Mr. Sears has developed wonderfully and is now 
a fine proportioned man. 

Dawson. Yes, indeed! I think that he is a nice looking 
gentleman. 

Desdemona. I am of the same opinion, father. I am 
glad to know that you like my Kentucky Dude. 

\_Curtain.~\ 

Act v. — Scene 3. 

The Barret school of music, London — Prof. Barret, M/ss Celia 
Barret and Miss Desdemona Dawson. 

Celia Barret. I must congratulate you, Miss Desdemona. 

(Enter Jasper). 

Jasper. Massa Dawson and the Missus am a coming, and 
I run afore, kase I like dem music. 

Desdemona. Jasper, sing something. 

Jasper. Miss Desdemona, I can't sing much, you know 
dat. 

Barret. Yes, Jasper, come and sing. 

Jasper. If de professor give me fiddle, I'll sing for the 
ladies. 

Barret. All right, Jasper; here is a violin. Be careful 
and don't break the strings. 

Jasper. You bet I won't. Let's see — now what you 
have.'' Say quick, afore Massa comes. 

Desdemona. Give us something lively, Jasper. 

Jasper. Well, here goes. (He plays and sings, etc.) 

(The bell rings and Jasper runs to open the door. Enter 
Mr. and Mrs. Dawson. 

Barret. Good morning, friends of the Stars and Stripes. 



6o 

How are you all to-day? [Exit Desdemona.] 

Mrs. Dawson. We are well, I thank you. 

Dawson. Come close to me, people. I want some in- 
formation from you. (They sit close.) You all know how 
I have loved my daughter. Say Barret, if your dad was 
alive he could tell you how this old fellow worked and 
plowed and harrowed in the Missouri Bottom 30 years ago. 

Barret. I expect he could. 

(Jasper down near the door takes down a brass instrument 
and blows into it.) 

Dawson. Come here, Jasper; what you a -doing there.^ 

(Jasper comes before Mr. Dawson.) 

Jasper. Why, Msssa, I was a-looking into this here brass 
thing and it hollered. (All laugh.) 

Dawson. I'll make you holler if you don't stop. 

Jasper. Scuse me, Massa. [Exit Japser, bowing] 

Dawson. Now, folks, you remember I was a-saying how 
hard I worked in the Missouri Bottoms when we used to get 
the shakes. 

Barret. Yes, Mr. Dawson. 

Dawson. I worked hard not only to get a home for my- 
self and family, but I have strained my nerves to gain some- 
thing more in order to leave my family in good circum- 
stances when I die. 

Barret. You have done well, Mr. Dawson. 

Dawson. Yes, I have done the best I could, at any rate, 
and have educated my family. 

Celia. You deserve praise for it, Mr. Dawson. 

Dawson. I always wished my daughter, Desdie, to mar- 
ry a Lord or someone with royal blood. 

Barret. I thought that you were more of an American. 

Dawson. You bet your bottom dollar I am an American 
and love my country too. 

Barret. Pray, why should you seek a Lord as a husband 
for your daughter.'' 

Dawson. Well, LU tell you. You see I thought Lords 
always had plenty of money and a good education. 

Barret. Yes, but often they are spendthrifts and tyrants. 

Dawson. Why! You don't tell me.^ 



6i 

Barret Yes, many of them are dissipated wretches. 

Dawson. Well, I declare! 

Mrs. Dawson. He saw some of that himself in Paris. 

Dawson. Professor, tell me, do you know this Mr George 
who is over here with Mr. Blake.' 

Barret. Yes, Mr. Dawson, I know him very well, indeed. 
He is a cousin of our family, and an educated gentleman. 

Dawson. Now, professor, i want to know the honest 
truth about him. How old is he, and what business is he at.-* 

Barret. When we left Kentucky, he was a young boy 
going to school. Afterwards he went to college, and grad- 
uated when he was twenty-one — that's just three years ago. 

Dawson, What has Mr. George been a doing since."* 

Barret He has been engaged in mining. 

Dawson. How came he to get a mine for himself.' 

Barret. Let me see — when old Mr. Sears died in Ken- 
tucky he left his family in good fix, and when George be- 
came of age he got his share and went to the mountains. 

Dawson. Has he lost his money, or made a stake in the 
mountains.^ 

Barret. I should say he has done well. He sold the 
Elkhorn mine for 450 thousand dollars — ^nearly a half million. 

Dawson. Tell me truthfully, is he a good man.' He 
wants Desdie, I understand, to marry him. 

Barret. Allow me to say to you that of all the young men 
I have ever known, George Sears is one of the best. 

Celia. Yes, and he will make an excellent husband for 
Desdemona, because he is very kind and generous. Let me 
show you what George brought me from Paris. (Gets pres- 
ent.) (Enter Desdemona.) 

Dawson. Come here, Desdie. (She comes to her father.) 

Desdemona. What is it, father.' 

Dawson. After all, Desdie, I think that your Kentucky 
dude has developed into a full-grown man. 

Desdemona. I am glad that you think so, father. 

Dawson. Notwithstanding that I wanted a man of royal 
blood as husband for you, I shall put no obstacle to your 
marrying Mr. George Sears. 

Desdemona. O, father! I am so happy, and thank you 



62 

from the bottom of my heart. (Embraces her father.) (Miss 
Celia shows her presents.) 

Mrs. Dawson. They are very fine, indeed. Desdemona, 
show what Mr. Sears brought you from United States. 

Desdemona. Father, look at the present which Mr. Sears 
has brought me. (Mr. Dawson takes it.) 

Dawson. That's dazzling. (All exclaim; "How beauti- 
ful; how fine it is!") 

Dawson. Desdie, why don't you wear your present.^ 

Desdemona. I was afraid of you, father. I thought \'ou 
might not like it. 

Dawson. Yes, my child, you may wear it. 

(Enter Jasper.) 

Jasper. Dare is a carriage down front house, and the 
man says, "what you want to go home.^" 

Dawson. Yes, Jasper, you go down and tell him we'll 
be there, directly. 

Jasper. Yes, Massa; I'll do so. [Exit Jasper.] 

Dawson. Well, Professor, we must be a-going, I reckon. 
Desdie, you had better come along, too. 

Desdemona. Father, I would like to remain, with your 
consent. I will meet Mr. George Sears here this afternoon. 

Mrs. Dawson. Let her stay, Stephen. 

Dawson. Well. Desdie. you ma}- stay till evening. Be 
home then, of course. 

Desdemona. Yes, father, I will. 

Dawson. Good morning, all of you. I shall never for- 
get your kindness. 

Mrs. Dawson. Good morning. Prof. Barret and Celia, 
when are you coming over.^ 

Celia. We will go over this evening or to-morrow. 

Mrs. Dawson. All right. Be sure and come. 

[ Curtain. ] 



63 



Act V. — Scene 4. 

The Wedding Banquet at Grand Hotel, Trafalgar Square, London 
— The Table is laden with the best — Prof. Barret Master of Cer- 
eni07iies — Jasper and Sam Waiters — Music by Orchestra while the 
Guests are coming in — IVhen all the guests are about the table 
Father Austin and the Bride and Groom make their appearance 
and take their places. 

Dawson. Father Austin, please ask the blessing. 

Father Austin. Yes, sir! I will in the name of the fa- 
ther and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. Bless 
us, O Lord, and these, thy gifts, which we are about to re- 
ceive from the bountiful Providence. (All answer Amen and 
sit down to table). 

Blake. Well, Mr. Dawson, I must congratulate you on 
this American wedding. 

Dawson. Say, Blake, it will be your turn next. 

Blake. Yes, 1 suppose so. 

Sir Albert. Father Austin, when you left home did you 
expect to have a wedding.'* 

Father Austin. No, Sir Albert, I did not. I merely came 
to London to visit my friends, the Barrets, and to get posted 
regarding Paris before gomg to the World's Fair. 

Sears. I am glad that you were agreeably surprised. 

Desdemona. Mr. Ready, how is Ireland.'' 

Ready. Musha, I don't know! Ireland is all right, but 
the people are still suffering from the tyranny of the land- 
lords. 

Sears. Is the scenery of Ireland as fine ss it is repre- 
sented to be.' 

Ready. Yes, indeed it is. No finer country the sun 
shines on, but I'd never live there again. 

Dawson. Why so, Mr. Ready.'' 

Ready, Because there is no liberty there. Give me our 
glorious Republic of America. 

Father Austin. You are right, Mr. Ready, the Stars and 
Stripes represent more of God's benevolence to man than 
all the governments of the world, 



64 

Andrew Giles. Mankind live more like one family in the 
United States than in any of the Old Countries. 

Blake. Of course we should respect our neighbors and 
their governments. 

Ready. To be sure, Mr. Blake, but for God's sake invite 
all you can to the friendly, Christian shores of America. 

Sir Albert. But pray, Mr. Ready, what do you think of 
the Philippines and the expansion business engaged in by 
the United States.-" 

Ready. The politicians and a few would-be ofificers and 
imperialists have brought that about. The majority of the 
people, however, are not in favor of any imperialism. 

Dawson. Barring that foolish war, the Republic of the 
United States is the most admired the world over — her citi- 
zens are the most happy and her prosperity the greatest the 
world has ever seen. 

Blake. True for you, friend Dawson. As long as the 
citizens of the United States remain faithful to the princi- 
ples of the Constitution prosperity will reign — but when 
they depart therefrom and worship the Golden Calf, thei 
honor and glory shall wane. 

Dawson. You are right, Mr. Blake. (Rising.) Here is 
to the goose that raised the quill that made the pen that 
wrote the Constitution. 

Ready. That was a good goose, God bless her. 

Lord Murdock (rising.) With }'our permission I will give 
my toast. Here's to woman, whose heart and whose soul 
are the light and the life of each spell we pursue; whether 
sunn'cl at the tropics or chilled at the pole, if woman be 
there, there is happiness too. 

Barret and others. Good! good! Mr. Blake, it's your 
turn now, please give us a toast. 

Blake (rising.) Here's to bride and mother-in-law; here's 
to groom and father-in-law; here's to sister and brother-in- 
law; here's to friends and friends-in-law; may none of them 
need an attorney-at-law. 

Dawson. Ha! ha! That is a good wish, indeed. Mr. 
Ready, please give us a toast. 

Ready. Here's to the Land of the Shamrock so green; 



65 

here's to each lad and his darling Colleen; here's to the 
ones we love dearest and most; and may God save old Ire- 
land! that's an Irishman's toast. 

All. Good! good! Mr. Ready, Bravo! 

Father Austin. I suppose I ought to give a toast too. 
Here is to America, the land of the free and the home of 
the brave. May the emblem of liberty, the stars and stripes, 
over you forever wave. 

All. Amen! amen! 

Barret. Mr. Sears, will you please favor us with a toast.-* 

Sears. Ladies and gentlemen. Here is to those we love 
and to them that love them that love them that love those 
that love us. 

[^Curfaiii.~\ 

FINIS. 



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